March 2018

Embracing Diversity with Every Design

Something that we take great pride in is our ability to meet any need in any situation. More than the ability to adapt, running a successful event requires the ability to anticipate. Event and hospitality pros are consistently required to respond to the needs of their guests, which far exceed a 7 a.m. wake-up call or a comped meal to apologize for cold chicken. We live in a world where diversity should be celebrated and where individuals are encouraged to express their views and defend their identities. As a result, a well-designed event requires a certain level of cultural competence—the ability to effectively identify and respond to various cultural factors that can have an effect on how a guest responds to an experience.

Here is how we keep cultural competence top of mind when designing an experience for different groups of guests:

  • 1. Stay up-to-date on cultural and social conflicts.
    This is basic but essential. It’s important to pay attention to current events and beware of things that could be interpreted as offensive or discriminatory. It’s very possible that a lack of sensitivity could promote harmful assumptions and stereotypes that make certain guests feel out of place or offended.
  • 2. Approach ‘difference’ with curiosity and respect; learn from people who are different from you.
    You may even realize that others’ ideals make more sense than what you’ve been taught! For more perspective, consider Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, which essentially analyzes culture through six indices:

    • Power Distance Index
    • Individual vs. Collectivism
    • Uncertainty Avoidance Index
    • Masculinity vs. Femininity
    • Long-Term Orientation vs. Short-Term Orientation
    • Indulgence vs. Restraint.

    The score of each index offers a means to analyze the behaviors associated with each respective dimension. For example, the Uncertainty Avoidance Index measures the scope in which members of a society respond to ambiguity. A high score on this index suggests an aversion to and potential fear of uncertainty, which may help explain why some of your guests ask an overwhelming amount of questions about their ground transportation to the airport.

  • 3. Examine our background and culture.
    We challenge ourselves to analyze how our own cultural environment has shaped our attitudes and experiences. When you can understand the logic and context of your own beliefs, it’s easier to be sensitive to the beliefs of others.Questions to consider when constructing a hospitable space or designing an event:

    • Are there any cultural or religious conflicts with the location, time, and date of the event? 
      Is there disability access to the space?
    • Are there food options that consider religious and dietary restrictions?
    • Is there a dress code that should be communicated to guests?
    • Is there any point where guests will need to disclose information about their gender and/or sexuality?

These questions prompt us to consider how slight adjustments in our planning processes can cultivate a more inclusive environment. Take time to consider some of these to create personalized and customized experiences and different communication channels for different groups of guests.

Crafty Ceremony and Reception Ideas

While preparing for the happiest day of your life, you’ll be creating amazing memories and keepsakes along the way. The only question is, what makes the perfect wedding craft? Here is some inspiration for getting in touch with your creative side to seamlessly infuse your personalities into crafty touches for the big day! 

Ceremony and receptions signs are extremely helpful in directing guests where to go. Why not make those signs a little more personable? Incorporating your theme into these focal points will help frame your picture perfect day. The possibilities are endless. Take a look at this customized seating chart design from one of our weddings at Harborside East!

A great way to showcase your wedding’s location is to integrate it’s natural elements into the design. Photo displays are a sentimental way to feature special moments or to honor loved ones. Peek your guests’ exploratory interests while giving them a glimpse of some family memorabilia with this crafty family tree…literally!

Cocktail hour provides guests with a little downtime to mingle and relax before the big wedding celebration. Give them something to talk about and consider adding a little floral fun to your signature drinks. These stunning edible flower ice cubes are impressive yet incredibly easy to execute. After all, who doesn’t love a little botanical pick me up? Check out how-to instructions.

The wedding guest book is for capturing the names and special wishes of those individuals who celebrated your wedding. Personalize this wedding detail by transforming it into an interactive, DIY activity that makes it memorable for you and your guests. Get creative and be unconventional.

Pro tip: Try a guest recipe book! Start by sharing your favorite recipe, ingredients, or restaurant as inspiration, and throughout the ceremony guests can join in the fun. How fantastic would it be to try out their suggestions throughout your marriage?

The newlywed send-off is a magical tradition that is meant to bring good health and prosperity to your marriage. Sparklers, confetti, and rice are typically the go-to wedding send-off, but why not shake things up? Ring in the start of your new journey with these DIY lace tambourines. This sweet craft will help end your celebration on a positive note, that will resonate with your guests afterwards. Check out how to make these here.

We’re always striving to do something different, and there is no better way than to be crafty and creative with elements from each part of your big day. For more inspiration, head over to Charleston Crafted for some unique, locally-made items that can be incorporated into your design to make the day even more memorable.

New Event Rentals at EventWorks

We stopped by EventWorks, one of the southeast’s largest event rental companies, to chat with Ashley about what they offer for events as well as all of their new amazing rental options for 2018!

Falling in Love with Kaley & Pete

One of our favorite parts of being in the wedding planning industry is learning about our bride and groom’s story on how they met, where they fell in love, and their dreams for the future. We love them so much that we want to start sharing these magical stories with you!

Kaley & Pete’s upcoming fall wedding at Magnolia Plantation is sure to be picturesque, romantic, and memorable. We cannot be more excited to be apart of making their visions of tying the knot a reality. We chatted with Kaley and got some insight on how their love story unfolded, why they chose Charleston, and so much more!

Pete pops the big question.

How did you two meet?

We met a few years ago when Pete was living with a mutual friend. We were both dating other people at the time but were always friends and one day, the timing finally worked out and we had our first date on Halloween night of 2015. After that first night, we were inseparable.

How did Pete pop the question?

Our engagement was an elaborate scavenger hunt around downtown Orlando, at places that were significant to our relationship, like the place where he asked me to be his girlfriend. My sister and best friends were stationed at each location to give me my next clues. My final clue led me to a garden where we often took our dog Scout for walks. Pete (and Scout) were waiting for me inside the gardens and the rest is history. Right after I said “yes!” He led me around the corner to another surprise of all of our family and friends waiting with champagne to celebrate. We all went back to our place and had a giant pool party to keep the fun going.

What made you decide on getting married in Charleston?

As soon as we got engaged we decided we wanted some kind of destination wedding. We had both been to Charleston numerous times and absolutely loved it. It was an easy pick for us! Beautiful scenery, awesome restaurants and fun bars. What more could we need?!

How did you narrow your focus on venue spaces?

Once we decided on Charleston, we knew we wanted to get married somewhere with beautiful outdoor spaces. We started doing some research and found Magnolia Plantation. As soon as we saw it, we knew it was the one. Pete’s younger brother Chris was actually a wedding planner in Charleston a few years ago. He still had contact with a some of the other planners there and put us in touch with Chelsye, who is one of his good friends. We had a quick phone call and felt good about it but then completely fell in love with her when we met her in person for the first time at Magnolia. Chelsye has been such a godsend since day one of the planning process. She is so easy going, enthusiastic and makes the planning process easy and fun. We adore her.

What are your dreams for your big day?

Pete and I actually agree on the most important aspect of our wedding- Fun! We want a beautiful night of dancing, eating and celebrating our love with our closest family and friends. Honestly though we have agreed on almost everything thus far with the planning- Either that or he just lets me run the show and goes along with it 😉

Where do you see yourselves after tying the knot?

After the wedding we will still be living in Orlando, hopefully in a house that we will be shopping for in the next few months. We will be honeymooning in summer 2019, either in Thailand or Switzerland most likely. TBD!

Kaley + Pete.

Charleston Fashion Week: Try This on For Size

 

Lexus Charleston Fashion Week, held in Marion Square here in Charleston, South Carolina, is a five night fashion event aimed to showcase emerging designers, model talent, fashionable boutiques and trendsetter personnel. Organized by industry experts, Charleston Fashion Week is recognized as a premier event and serves as a pathway to New York. This truly multimedia event harvests Charleston’s talent along with nationally renowned designers, runway shows, activities, and of course shopping! Here are a few tips you can try on for size.

1. Do Your Research

Review the official program. There you will find all onsite and offsite events that take place throughout the week. Hint: Review the official map or download it to your phone for easy access. With so much going on, it is easy to get lost in the hustle – Save yourself the stress.

2. Don’t Over Commit

In theory, It may seem like a great idea to attend every single event during the week. Highlight what peaks your interest and start from there, it is easier to add to your schedule rather than take away.

3. Experiment

Don’t shy away from attending a show that seems far fetch or not your style..expand your horizon, you might surprise yourself.

4. What to Wear

Picking your ensemble might be the biggest question for anyone attending a fashion event. It is good to dress the part, but do not feel pressured to conform to the norm. This is your chance to show your own personal style. The fashion world is your oyster, time to display your pearls.

5. Have a Plan

Don’t linger at doorways, stand in aisles, sit in seats that aren’t yours, or do anything that stops the ease and flow of traffic at the show. The coordinators, staff, and volunteers work tirelessly to execute a seamless event – Don’t be a bump in the road.

6. Space

Manage your space – Manage your accessories, no matter how fabulous. Hold umbrellas downward, handbags and clutches to your side, and please – tuck your feet under your seat.

7. Be Inquisitive

Fashion Week is a such a great networking opportunity. Make it a point to seek out industry experts, local designers, social media buffers, and fashion bloggers.

8. Mingle

Let’s face it, people in fashion don’t always look the most approachable. However, under that fab exterior they share the same passion for fashion as you – Break the ice and introduce yourself to fellow attendees seated around you. You never know, you may bond over your love for accessorizing or hate for sneaker wedges.

9. Have a Good Time

You’re there – watching an amazing show, mingling with knowledgeable patrons, witnessing new looks, absorbing new ideas, your creative juices are flowing – there is only one thing left to do – Enjoy yourself! Soak in the atmosphere and observe the details of the garments. Be dazzled!

10. Say Thank You

Don’t forget to thank anyone and everyone working the Fashion Week Events. Many of the coordinators and models are volunteers – they do this for their love of fashion!