DIY Florals

Hi Type A Events Blog Readers!

I get asked a lot about the floral arrangements that I make for smaller events. I've decided to post a step by step guide to the floral arrangement that I made for an event last week. They are a beautiful, easy and cost effective way to spruce up your next event.

1. Buy 2 bunches-1 bunch each of your favourite complimentary florals. 2. Buy a bag of floral sticks. These can be found at almost all floral and craft stores. 3. Buy a jar of floral rocks. Again these can be found in almost all floral and craft stores.

3. Select square or rectangular vase in colour of your choosing. Clear vases are always an option but why not try a black, navy, or purple vase? 4. Fill the vase about half-way with floral rocks. Pour water on top of rocks to about 3/4 full. 5. Measure the height of your vase, add 2-3 inches and cut your floral stems accordingly. You may need to trim the leaves.

6. Place the florals--larger variety first, followed by the smaller buds. Alternate colours and don't be afraid to experiment with placement--things don't need to be symmetrical. The rocks should act as secure anchors for the stems. 7. Take your bag of floral sticks. Cut them to approximately twice the height of your arrangement-again you can play with size here. Throw out a few candles and you're done!

Don't forget to visit our new Facebook page for more tips!

'Tis almost the Season!

I hate to say it--but summer is coming to a close!

That means the holiday season will be here before we know it. I'm ashamed to say I have already bought my 2011 Christmas ornament.

Whether you're having an intimate gathering with your nearest and dearest, or have been put in charge of this year's corporate holiday party, an event planner can help you get the most bang for your holiday buck. With tricks and trades to help you create a unique event that'll carry us through those cold winter months!

The important thing to remember is to book early for the season. I've already got several bookings for November and December. It's important to plan ahead or the best places, vendors, and planners will already be taken.

Look forward to hearing from you and booking your holiday event.

Medical Conferences Coordination (Planning) Toronto

Type A Events is happy to be considered one of Toronto's best Medical Conference Coordinators. Having fallen into this field by chance, and stayed in this field by choice, and out of pleasure is a rare treat. Our work with MaRS Discovery Districts' recent Nitric Oxide Symposium, and our ongoing work with the Ontario Working Group on Early Psychosis Intervention AGM has been a rewarding and enriching experience.

We look forward to further work within the Medical community, working on conferences, meetings or AGMs.

Give us a call!

A few shots from the recent Nitric Oxide Symposium:

"The MaRS Trattoria" A Space used by delegates to unwind and to network

Main Plenary Session Room

Fall 2010: SPACE SPACE SPACE

Well once again Labour Day weekend is upon us. As children return to school; and adults return to workdays in long-sleeve shirts we event planners start to gear up for one of our busiest seasons: Fall.

Fall brings with it the return of corporate meetings and the start of holiday party planning.

As always I urge those of you who are in charge of putting together your company's next meeting or holiday party--BOOK EARLY!

Finding the right space at the right time is getting increasingly harder in Toronto as space is a minimum and demand is at a maximum.

A qualified event planner can help you find a variety of space options for your next event.

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)

Just a quick note on the HST and how it affects Event Planners.

Event Coordinator that were PST exempt when consulting will now be charging the HST.

HST comes into effect on July 1st, 2010 and will be charged to all events taking place after this date.

Remember--you may have to pay a little more in taxes but the benefits of hiring an Event Planner far outweigh this small adjustment.

Event Coordinators can save you a lot of money through negotiation with vendors; through a larger portfolio of vendors; and through their experience with working within budgets. We are old pros at figuring out how to stretch your dollar!!

Look forward to helping you save in 2010!

It's Fall--Let's Party!

So many people are turning grumpy over the cold weather--I say a great big 'Welcome' as the cold weather kicks off my favourite party season: Holiday!

Whether it's a Fall Solstice party; a Halloween Fete; a Wedding; or a Corporate Blowout, the fall/winter season is a great time to get together with 5 friends or 500 and have a grand time...indoors.

Get those hot chocolate pots out and start planning. Planning early--and hirin a good event planner- will get you those deals and those (low budget) imaginative ideas.

We'll be posting some of our favourite ideas on holiday planning over the next couple of months so visit us often!

Happy Planning!

Florals for Fun!

One of my favourite things to do is helping clients choose their florals. Whether for a wedding, a social event, or a corporate event, florals can add a unique touch to your event.

Options! Options! Options! That's the overwhelming task in choosing florals.

I always recommend meeting with your florist to discuss the florals that will be in bloom during the season of your event. Let your florist know your colour scheme, your budget, and the types of arrangements you need. Don't be afraid to ask for less expensive options within the same family--you can often have flowers that are of the same hue and which vary widely in cost. 

Also, try using trees and foliage as accents to the flowers you choose--branches are an exciting accessory to your arrangement.

As always, whether it's a private or corporate event, try to make your floral arrangement an exciting and unique addition. 

Hire an Event Coordinator to help you navigate through the garden!

Gifts for Guests

I often get asked to recommend gifts for guests (bonbonnieres).

Whether it's for a wedding or for an event, I also suggest starting with thinking about the overall theme and 'feel' of the event.

The term 'out of the box' is overused these days, but I like to use it literally when thinking about gifts for guests--it's time to give out something that cannot fit in a box.  Let me give you an example:

A recently married couple, whose wedding theme was 'Evergreen',  gave out small Evergreen trees that could be planted and that could grow alongside their marriage.  This was relatively inexpensive and a wonderful way to bring the theme of the wedding together.

How about an example from the Corporate World:

A company celebrating a successful quarter wanted to give back to their employees and special clients.  The company gave out high-end bottles of champagne with two champagne glasses--so the 'Celebration' could continue at home.

The world of gifts has moved way beyond chocolate truffles and personalized wedding coasters-embrace the options!

Weddings Weddings Weddings!

Hi everyone-

Apologies for the time in between blogs-it's been a busy season!

I'm about halfway through the wedding season--and have already begun work on the upcoming corporate season--the cycle never ends.

So far this year's brides and grooms haven't disappointed with their enthusiasm and creativity. I've been reminded why I wanted to be an event planner in the first place. Whether it's unique place card holders, or cultural additions, I've been fortunate to work with some wonderfully creative and open-minded clients this summer. 

I remind my clients as much as possible that this is their event--it should reflect them. Their choices should be personal and meaningful.

Here's my big tip: Make your event one that you yourself would want to attend.

Holiday Event Planning in Toronto

As it is July 1st (Happy Canada Day to my countrymen and women) I thought it would be appropriate to write a little something on holiday events. 

It's no longer uncommon to have a wedding or social event on a long weekend. With a few tips and ideas you can ensure your guests have a good time and don't resent you for taking away their long weekend!

1. Let your guests know 3-4 months in advance rather than the standard 2-3 months. Many people, particularly in the summer months, plan their full holidays around long weekends. You want to give them ample time to re-work their schedules.

2. Acknowledge the fact that it is a long weekend and use that as a selling feature. You may want to incorporate the holiday into your event.

3. Play up your event--make it sound exciting and make it worth missing a cottage getaway.

4. Don't take up all 3 days of the long weekend with your event--let your guests have a day to themselves.

5.  Finally, accept that some guests, no matter how fabulous your event plans to be, will not be able to make it. Don't take it personally!

 

Happy Holiday!