Design

Bridging the Gap

Connecting With Generation Z in a Language They Understand

Today, young individuals wake up and immediately scroll through their favorite apps as if they are reading the morning paper.

Social apps are the present-day newspaper to a generation that has grown up immersed in technology. It is how the most important decisions are made: where to go, what to eat,  what to watch…inevitably who they want to hire for their wedding! We have to keep up with change, and become more creative and original with our digital and social media marketing.

Ok we have pinpointed where to Cater Towards Gen Z, but how can we take this knowledge to the next level and how to use these  digital platforms to our advantage?

Here are some tips on how to connect to your growing younger audience.

Instagram is an ever-growing and thriving platform, that will only keep evolving and attracting new users. Unlike Facebook, who’s more often used by older generations, Instagram is heavily dominated by the youth. The Instagram story feature, launched in 2016 and heavily influenced by Snapchat, has become widely popular and frequents the most views. Users can edit pictures and videos and even provide links within the story, to engaged with your followers. To capture and create more engaging Instagram Stories, by upping your Instagram aesthetic and using these 14 Apps For Creating Gorgeous Instagram Stories. In return, this will bring more traffic and clickthroughs to your website. Post on your profile and increase your reach.

What kinds of things are worthy of posting and recording?

Gen Z loves a behind the scenes sneak peek, time lapse videos, before and after, and anything that encourages interaction.  There’s something satisfying about watching a professional do what they do best. This can be done with anything. Wedding décor, wedding day set up, all of the works. Imagine how fun it would be to get to watch a sped-up video of a wedding coming to life!? It’s content like this that catches the most eyes and gets shared more often.

 

A recent survey shows that “59 percent of Gen Z respondents said they use their YouTube app a lot more than they did a year prior.” In return, YouTube is still growing and attractive new users everyday. Video is the new article.  Like Instagram, think of parts of your work that would be enjoyable to watch. Make it personal, record all of the big moments in the planning process.

Pro-tip: Another memorabilia your clients can look back on.

You can share these videos so future clients can see how you can help make their dreams a reality too. Visually and emotionally charged content tends to have the most impact. Weddings are not just the end product! There’s so much that happens in between the proposal and the “I do.” That’s where you come in!

What is a “TikTok“? Some say it is the new Vine of the internet…But what was a Vine?! Young audiences want to be wowed and entertained with visual stimulus, and nothing better comes to mind than short, entertaining videos.  The short video format that Vine was, and TikTok now has is perfect to grab a Gen Z viewer’s attention. With 500 million active users worldwide, this app ranks ninth among social-networking sites, ahead of LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Snapchat. TikToks are becoming the most shared across platforms. If it starts on TikTok, it will makes its way to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

You have a variety of talents and gifts that you can share as content. Teach and show your audience something that you excel in. Get creative. Content like this increases likability and recognition. You’re putting your work out there and slowly creating a reputation that people will remember when they’re look for a wedding pro.

Get started on filming your Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok videos. You don’t have to be a pro at filming to improve your digital presence. You already have what it takes and what makes you stand out. All you have to do is share it with the world!

Jackson Street Cottages Secure Coveted Carolopolis Award

The 66th annual Carolopolis Awards have been announced and Jackson Street Cottages secured a spot. According to the Preservation Society of Charleston, the award “seeks to promote excellence in historic preservation through recognition of exceptional projects that protect the historic resources of Charleston and the Lowcountry”. These Freedman style cottages, constructed in 1891, line 193-199 Jackson Street and are among the most intact groupings of their kind across the city. Owner Mount Vernon Partners and designer and contractor Brown-Glaws Contractors designed the space with the goal of preserving the historic elements they were able to while emulating those deemed unsalvageable.

The Jackson Street Cottages now serve as a private event space managed by Intrigue Design & Events. With two main event buildings, a full bar, porches, and a charming outdoor oasis you will feel far from the hustle and bustle of downtown life. Decorated with fairy lights, greenery, and cabana lounge areas – it is truly the perfect venue for outdoor gatherings ranging from receptions, rehearsal dinners and brunches to corporate events and pop-ups.

This is the second time one of Intrigue’s Venue Consulting Projects has been selected for this prestigious award. Read more about our other venue, 159 Rutledge, here.

Christmas Came to Charleston

What a blizzard this event was! The Intrigue Elves worked by night to transform Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails into Christmas Craziness for Miracle Popup ! A few grinches tried to steal Christmas, but the Intrigue Elves came to the rescue to restore the Winter Wonderland, just in time for Santa! We loved joining forces with the Handcraft family, and showcasing our creativity and passion to the community!

Intrigue Design and Events transformed the restaurant, inside and out, covering the walls in wrapping paper, stringing lights, hanging upside-down Christmas trees, garland, ornaments, and bows. The patio is a winter wonderland, with snowflakes galore and frosted sliding doors.

Rum-based cocktails were served in a Santa pants mug, and tequila with iced hot chocolate was served in a Christmas carol barrel. Both glasses, and a winking Santa mug, are available for purchase, of course.

Charleston Strong

David Tutera + Lifetime TV meets Charleston

Charleston is a gorgeous city full of unique wedding venues that fit almost any preference. We are so glad David Tutera with Lifetime TV My Great Big Live Wedding, decided to bring this opportunity to our town, and thrilled we were able to work together and truly demonstrate how Charleston Strong our community is!

This past February, us gals at Intrigue Design + Events  had the exciting opportunity to work with Lifetime TV David Tutera’s, My Great Big Live Wedding, in our location of choice—Charleston, South Carolina! Okay, so maybe we are biased since we are based out of this breathtaking place on the water called the Holy City. Charleston has an abundance of unique venues to choose from, and David and his crew certainly took advantage of this opportunity and we were honored to share in the process!

Having the opportunity to assist David and his team as well as these two high school sweethearts Chris Singleton and Mariana De Andrade, have the wedding of their dreams was priceless. With Chris’s love for baseball and starting spring training with the Chicago Cubs just a few days after he said “I do” we knew we couldn’t just have a their wedding at any venue. Can you guess? I am sure baseball park came to mind, but can you imagine building a full ceremony & tented reception in the middle of the field facing the water and centered off home base. Thanks to Shipyard Park  we were able to create something these two would never forget. However, a baseball field doesn’t come fully equipped with a wedding setup (weird, right?). Our team faced the task of utilizing our Charleston vendor relationships to construct this fabulous wedding venue! Charleston’s industry talent, such as Loluma EventsQueen Street CateringDarby Events, and Event works Rentals, were happy to lend their helping hand to David and his team to get this tremendous feat accomplished for this deserving couple. 

Shipyard Park was nothing short of accommodating for David’s plans, organizing its baseball practices around the production teams schedule and lending help when needed. Southern hospitality extends beyond everyday manners, it would seem—most venues in Charleston have offered assistance and thoroughness beyond what might be expected. In addition to this, the city’s various event spaces are unique due not only to their Charleston charm but their own distinctive features as well. Our city offers a multitude of centuries-old locations that are filled with gorgeous vegetation and seaside views, as well as more modern settings such as renovated historic buildings and newly-constructed ones. Examples, such as Lowndes Grove Planation, the  William Aiken House on King Street, 159 RutledgeLegare Waring House, and many more!

We are so glad David Tutera decided to bring this opportunity to our amazing city, and thrilled we were able to work together and truly demonstrate how Charleston Strong our community is. We travel the world for our couples and have visited cities such as Sydney Austria, Toronto Canada, Bahamas, Mexico, and many other city’s across the US and we are always humbled to share Charleston with our amazing couples. Creating a venue on a baseball field was definitely new for us and our city, but with the help of David’s crew, Chris and Mariana’s good-heartedness, and Charleston’s natural beauty and experienced vendors, our teamwork produced a memorable day for this young couple with memories to last a lifetime. 

Vendors

Venue | Shipyard Park

Floral | Lush Flowers

Rentals |Eventworks Rentals

Lighting | Loluma

Cake | Cakes by Kasarda

Photography | Kim Craven Photography

Entertainment | Darby Events + Cece Winan

Catering | Queen Street Catering

Bridal Ensembles | Focus on the Bride + Bari Jay Fashions

Wedding Season Fashion Inspiration from Maris Dehart + Boho & Bows

Somehow, it’s already August. That means footballs are about to fly, pumpkin spice is in the air, and wedding season is about to be in full swing.

With the best time of the year upon us, it begs one question: what to wear?! We teamed up with one of Charleston’s best bloggers and boutiques to find the answer.

We got together with Savannah Guss of Boho & Bows to get inspired for the season. B&B, the life & style blog providing a spark of creativity from the perspective of a young mother, gave us top picks for the upcoming wedding season’s looks for the lowcountry and beyond.

We stopped by local standout boutique Maris Dehart because, well…how could we not? While walking out of Maris Dehart’s doors and not looking fabulous is virtually impossible, owner Alden Haviland had some special items waiting at The Cabana that even exceeded expectations. The Cabana by Maris Dehart, the summer-only section of the boutique, is a must-see if you’re on a search to stand out.

 

 

 

Savannah got started with this elegant white dress.

This stunner is the ultimate look for all things bride. Rehearsal dinner? Elopement? Engagement pictures? Beach wedding? Reception dress?  You name it, and this beauty can be styled for any bridal occasion. I absolutely adore the high-low ruffle hem & mini train on this dress; it’s the perfect touch to give this look sass & class! I love the versatility to pair with a bright statement earring for a more casual vibe or with a simple veil and some bling, you’re ready to say “I DO!’

 

 

 

I never met a fringe I didn’t like! The detail of this light, delicate fringe hem combined with the ever-flattering fit of a wrap dress & soft color makes this dress a total show stopper. This is a style that would look gorgeous on anyone. As a wedding guest or attendee of a bridal shower/brunch/rehearsal dinner, this look is fool-proof & fabulous!

 

 

I love the unexpected sass of a classy pants and top situation instead of a dress. If you’re a bride looking to breakaway from tradition, or just not so much of a dress gal, then ladies look no further! The simplicity of the black and white is stunningly elegant, while the detail of the fringe gives it that extra WOW factor. Throw on a bright statement earring for a pop of color and totally rock this look at a rehearsal dinner or engagement party!

 

This set is so eye-catching & fabulous and it’s such a fun alternative to a dress. The stripes with the small detail of fringe and high waist, in combination with the subtle crop, give this look the ultimate vibe of elegance and style. Sets are one of my favorite styles because they take the work out of having to “piece” an outfit together. They’re a fashionable no-brainer, if you will. This set in particular is super easy to style for a more casual bridal brunch or glam it up for a dinner, by a quick change of accessories, shoe, or a bold lip. (P.S. It’s super comfortable too!)

 

Whatever you decide to do when attending the big day of your nearest & dearest this upcoming season, Savannah says to make sure to stay true to yourself and you can’t go wrong.

“No matter the trend, cost or brand, true style is about who you are,” she says. “Kindness & confidence will never go out of style and will always be everyones best looks.”

Advice for picking rentals from a pro at EventWorks

You’re getting married. It’s official. Woo!

It’s time to make your vision of the perfect day come to life, and that all starts with the rentals. Between the essentials such as chairs, tables, bars, and dinnerware to unique crowdpleasers like games extra decor pieces, possibilities are endless and can make decision-making a bit overwhelming. We asked Ashely Von Rosenberg of EventWorks for some tips when picking rentals. According to Ashley, the most important thing when picking rentals is to make choices early in the process and order in advance.

“Items are available on a first come, first serve basis,” she said. “While we have a large inventory with depth due to our three locations, some items we have limited quantities available. It’s important to lock in your items, which can be done by paying a deposit to reserve an order. At EventWorks, our deposit is 25%.”

Beth & Brian’s wedding at Legare Waring House in Charleston, SC. Photo by Kaitlin Poirier.
Beth & Brian’s wedding at Legare Waring House in Charleston, SC. Photo by Kaitlin Poirier.

We’ve used rentals in fun ways, such as making crescent bars into a 360 bars and using greenery walls as backdrops and overhanging bars. When thinking about your rentals, take pieces that can have many uses into special consideration.

“Clients have used our bookshelves to display escort cards, used our Wood Serving Blocks as centerpieces, or even our Bohemian Beaded glasses to serve small salads. Be creative with your search!” Ashley said. “Even some of our lounge tables have doubled as unique cake tables! We love seeing clients plan and design beyond the norm.”

Drew & Frankie’s wedding at William Aiken House.
Drew & Frankie’s wedding at William Aiken House.

Do you need a tent? This is one of the most discussed details when it comes to rentals. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the venue and the season. Each venue has it’s own policies for tenting as well as unique perks and challenges, such as space limitations and how they affect design or what parts of venues are allowed to be tented. Seasonal weather is probably the biggest factor to consider. In Charleston, for example, fall weddings can be the most susceptible to surprise weather due to hurricane season. Ashley said she always recommends that clients put tents on reserve just in case.

“We have a Rain Reserve policy, which is 35% of the total cost of the tent to hold for your date with the decision needed three days prior to delivery by noon,” she said. “I always recommend this because we have had many busy weekends where we are simply maxed out on tents and labor.”

Layne Johnson + Pablo Hofman’s wedding at the William Aiken House in Charleston SC. Photo by Amelia + Dan.
Emily & John’s wedding at Kiawah Ocean Course. Photo by Aaron + Jillian.

Rental setup can begin anywhere from days to hours before the wedding, depending on the size of the tent, amount of rentals, and your venue. Make sure you’re prepared in advance, so you can spend your wedding day enjoying your beautiful tent without worry.

 

 

A Corporate Retreat with Lexus

  We were so thrilled to design a weekend getaway to Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina for Lexus! As part of an incentive for their top performing reps, we handled the design and logistics to show them the best of the lowcountry. Forget the norm of golf and tours, we helped them do something different. We got them into the southern spirit with painting classes, local chef demos, wine tastings, and much more!

20 Southern Fashion Bloggers You NEED to Follow

It’s hot. The beach is calling. Fall is coming. There are decisions to make.

If you’re trying to up your style game, these girls (and guys!) are sure to get you inspired to make the most out of your look this season and next. Some are household names on the ‘Gram in these parts, while others are fairly new to the scene. Whether you’re a local or visiting our region for an upcoming wedding or event, these 20 fashion bloggers are all must follows!

Color by K

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Kristin Chambless is a blogger located in Charleston SC.  Her blog and Instagram will inspire and help you style your life with more color.

Instagram: @KrisinChambless

Blog: Color By K 

 

Millennielle

Coco, a native of Nigeria, calls Atlanta her home!  She uses her blog to share positivity about what it’s like to be a millennial woman today. Her gorgeous blog focuses on travel, fashion, and beauty.

Instagram: @CocoBassey

Blog: Millennielle

Kerrently

Courtney Kerr, a Dallas native, runs online magazine Kerrently. Based off of her impeccable fashion sense, it was created after several TV show appearances when viewers were dying to know about her clothing.

Instagram: @Kerrently

Blog: Kerrently by: Courtney Kerr

 

Gal Meets Glam

Julia Hengle is from San Fransisco but now resides in Charleston. Her love for all things feminine is what makes her Instagram, blog, and clothing line so popular.  She has a post up now about finding the perfect wedding guest dress for next season!

Instagram: @GalMeetsGlam

Blog: Gal Meets Glam

 

KCDoubletake

Kenzie and Carol are twins living in Charleston, SC. Their relaxed take on Charleston style, along with their natural chemistry on camera, is what makes them so appealing to many. Double the style, double the fun!

Instagram: @KC_Doubletake

Blog: KCDoubleTake

 

Dannon Collard – Like The Yogurt

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Dannon is a professional makeup artist in Charleston, having been part of the Hair and Makeup Team for Charleston Fashion Week for 2014 & 2015. Her instagram and her lifestyle blog, Like The Yogurt, are dedicated to her style and design. We can’t get enough of her clean white aesthetic!

Instagram: @DannonKCollardMUA

Blog: Like The Yogurt

 

Mumu and Macaroons

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Katy Harrell lives in Charlotte, NC where she runs her fashion blog Mumu and Macroons that is ALWAYS full of inspiration. She is your go to girl for all things summer in the south, as we particularly love her fun dress choices!

Instagram: @Mumuandmacaroons

Blog: Mumu and Macaroons

 

Chelsie Ravenell

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Chelsie is a fashion designer for the Kenneth Beatrice line, as well as a consultant for popular Charleston department store Gwynne’s. Take a look at his Instagram feed for some inspiration on old school southern meets modern mens fashion.

Instagram: @Chelsieravenell

Blog: akillalife.tumblr.com

 

The Bowtie Gent

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Louis Matthews is a 22 year old who runs the PR firm GRAND in Charleston. His unique and exquisitely elegant ideas (powered by bowties!) are perfect for the southern gentleman.

Instagram: @Thebowtiegent

Blog: The Bowtie Gent

BonnieKateZ

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Bonnie Kate Zoghbi is a native to Louisiana who now travels the country with her husband Max in their airstream. Her gorgeous Instagram gives our news feed life!  We love keeping up with her travels and how she meshes her style with her journey.

Instagram: @BonnieKateZ

Blog: Be AdventurUS

Madison Shaffer

Madison lives and blogs in Charleston. She incorporates her experience with Charleston Fashion Week and local favorite boutique Maris DeHart into a warm and sunny feed full of nostalgic vibes.

Instagram: MadisonShaffer

Blog: Meowing Mads

 

Mckenzie Sanders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mckenzie is a model, living part time in North Carolina and part time in New York, who just recently launched her fashion and lifestyle blog! We love her versatile style and her accounts of her life as a model around the globe.

Instagram: @mckenziepaigesanders

Blog: Life + Style by: Mckenzie Sanders

Boho and Bows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savannah is a blogger with tremendous taste and a unique perspective: she’s a mother of two! You’ll find her Insta and blog full of great summer finds as well how she handles life with her children and husband, providing tips and inspiration for so many angles of life.

Instagram: BohoandBows

Blog: Boho and Bows 

Andi Eaton

Andi is a creative director, stylist, and writer.  She is located in New Orleans, but is usually traveling all over. We love looking at her relaxed boho style and fun adventures all over the world!

Instagram: Ouiwegirl

Blog: Oui We

Goldfishkiss

Rebekah Steen, located in Pensacola Beach, FL, can be located on the beach at all times it seems!  Her blog and Instragram are focused on her feel good moments, beach watercolors, and fashion tips.  We love her honest mom moments about her son and her amazing beach style we all wish we had!

Instagram: Goldfish_kiss

Blog: Gold fish kiss

The Fashion Poet

Annie Vazquez is one of the best fashion bloggers in Miami! We love her work not only because of her fashion sense and travel exploits, but her continuing message of body positivity for women.

Instagram: Thefashionpoet

Blog: The Fashion Poet

Mary Ralph Lawson

Mary Ralph is a 20 something year old from Austin, now living in Malibu. Her Instagram puts a smile on our face because of her fun beach style! She works for Bumble and her adventures will keep you swiping for more (see what we did there?).

Instagram: mralphlawson

 

Goldwill Digger

Betsy, from Nashville, TN, runs a site entirely based on value shopping. Possessing a self-proclaimed “champagne taste on a beer budget”, she will help you find inspiration by combining awesome pieces at Goodwill! Saving while finding satisfaction in a great find is a no brainer.

Instagram: goldwilldigger

Blog: Goldwill Digger

 

KB Styled

Brooke is a wife and mom in Nashville, TN.  She focuses on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle but what we like most about her is that she isn’t just a fashion blog.  Her blog has restaurant reviews as well as home design tips! A one stop shop for our key interests.

Instagram: KBStyled

Blog: KB Styled

The Dainty Darling

Courtney is living in Charlotte, NC while running her site The Dainty Darling. You might mistake her blog for a magazine, as her chic style spans across hotel reviews, life adventures, and chronicling being a young mother.

Instagram: Courteink

Blog: The Dainty Darling 

 

 

 

What’s up Charleston? Things To Do: April-June, 2018

It’s not just a city, but an experience!

Charleston is a remarkably dynamic place. Our beautiful city manages to preserve its historic architecture, prime coastal settings, picture-perfect landscapes, creative culture, southern charm and friendly locals. There is no question as to why Charleston remains one of the most notable destinations to visit- and to live! On top of everything Charleston has to offer, here are some upcoming things to do to that might make you excited for the months ahead!

Cooper River Bridge Run: April 7th, 2018
The 2018 Cooper River Bridge Run is right around the corner! The Bridge run is the 3rd largest 10k and one of the largest road races in the U.S. This is not your average marathon, the one-way course is just as scenic as it is challenging. So what are you waiting for? Put on your running shoes and experience it for yourself!

Flowertown Festival: April 6th – 8th, 2018
The 46th annual Flowertown Festival is almost in bloom! Every spring, thousands visit Summerville SC, to see the beautiful bounty of colorful florals. Consistently ranked one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast, the three-day festival transcends the gracious Southern town into one of the largest arts and crafts festivals around!

Second Sunday on King Street: April 8th, 2018
Happening every second Sunday of the month, enjoy an afternoon of shopping, sipping, snacking, and socializing along King Street. This pet-friendly event features new product launches and showcases Charleston vendors.

North Charleston Art Festival: May 2nd – 6th, 2018
The 36th Annual North Charleston Arts Fest is not one to be missed! Attracting more than 30,000 residents and visitors, the festival offers a number of unique opportunities with a vast array of arts and cultural offerings. The annual multi-day celebration highlights national, regional, and local artists and performers in the areas of dance, music, theatre, visual arts, media arts, and literature.

Charleston Gallery Association Art Walk: May 4th, 2018
Named one of The Best Free Things To Do in Charleston, the Art Walk welcomes art lovers, architects, and history buffs out for a night of appreciating our city’s exceptional talent and beauty. With more than 40 art galleries in pursuit of gaining the world’s recognition of Charleston as a global art destination, the Art Walk showcases local, regional and national artists.

Piccolo Spoleto: May 25th – June 10th, 2018
Focusing primarily on artists of the Southeast region, Piccolo Spoleto is the perfect complement to its parent festival, Spoleto Festival USA.  Annually presenting over 500 events, the 17-day Piccolo Spoleto Festival transforms Charleston into an exhilarating celebration of the cultural vitality and diversity of the Lowcountry. With a majority of free admission offerings, Piccolo Spoleto provides a varied program including visual arts exhibitions and performances of classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, choral music, ethnic cultural, poetry readings, crafts, and film. From classical to contemporary, from traditional to cutting-edge – Piccolo Spoleto has something for everyone!

Spoleto Festival USA: May 25th – June 12th, 2018
Now approaching its 42nd season, for 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists and emerging performers in opera, theater, dance, chamber, choral, and jazz music. With programs of the highest artistic caliber exhibiting dedicated young artists, a passion for contemporary innovation, and an enthusiasm for providing unusual performance opportunities the Spoleto Festival is one for the books!

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.