To Dress Or Not To Dress

With the global economy in such a disarray, people are trying to save money any way possible. But being too creative with your event budget can sometimes be a risky game to play. On WE TV’s Girl Meets Gown, sisters Lindsay and Lauren decide they will take their $3000.00 dress budgets and combine them and share a single wedding gown. This would allow them to purchase an in season couture gown verses having to purchase a sample gown or find one on sale. In a day and time where most brides have a costume change before or during their reception the idea of sharing your gown is seriously farfetched.

The biggest dilemma in a situation like this is agreeing on the perfect dress. Even sisters who wear the same size and are the same height may not have the same vision when it comes to the perfect gown which is what happened in this case. Long story short the girls opted for separate dresses which left one sister with a much smaller budget but in the end both girls were happy.

What lengths are you are willing to go to in order to cut costs for your special day or do a have a sky is the limit budget? Would sharing a dress, renting a dress or even purchasing an already used dress be an option for you or will you be one of the lucky brides who has multiple dresses for your special day? Share your thoughts and ideas on this topic. We would love to hear from you.

Swank Soiree

Moms, Dads and Grads

Over the next few months, many of us will be focused on spending time with our moms on Mother’s Day showing them how much we love them, fathers on Father’s Day showing them how much we appreciate them and graduates during their graduation ceremonies to show them how proud we are of them.

At Swank Soiree we like to take things a step further to show the Moms Dads and Grads in our lives how much they mean to us with an event or outing they will not soon forget based around family tradition.

We would like to hear how you celebrate these wonderful occasions with the ones you love.

Swank Soiree

Sixteen Candles

The MTV television show My Super Sweet 16 has brought forth a rebirth of a very old North American tradition. Sweet sixteen parties were originally hosted by parents as a coming of age celebration for their daughter(s). Tradition shows a party was given where a young lady would be introduced to family and friends as a woman and during the party the guests were entertained by a father daughter dance and candle ceremony as outlined below.

Each of the 16 candles holds a special meaning:

•The first candle is for the girl's parents.
•The second candle is for the siblings. (If there are no siblings, then this candle can represent the grandparents.)
•Candles 3, 4, 5 and 6 are for the rest of the family members.
•Candles 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 are for friends.
•Candle 15 is for the girl's best friend or friends.
•The 16th candle is for a significant male, such as a boyfriend or good friend.
•Some add a 17th candle which represents good luck

Although there is no set protocol for a proper sweet sixteen, it seems as if the traditions of old have been tossed out of the window and today’s sixteen year old girls and boys seem to be more interested in throwing the most extravagant parties conceivable with the intention of conveying to their party guests how opulent and limitless their lives are. Candle ceremonies have been replaced with fireworks and laser shows or uplighting and the father daughter dance has been replaced with performances by the host taking full advantage of their moment to shine.

How would you describe your sweet sixteen party? And what are your views on parties parents are hosting for their children with event planners, costuming, catering and even celeb performances?

Please share your thoughts, we would love to hear what is on your mind.


Swank Soiree

Planning Outside The Sand Box

While putting together a party for small children one can come across a few stumbling blocks while in the early planning phase. One of the most difficult tasks is creating an event theme that not only appeals to children, but also appeals to their adult escorts aka mom and dad.

When giving a party for children, is important to entertain the adults who are attending as well as the little VIPs. If so, what are some good ways of incorporating adults into the parties activities.

SS