Editorial for Southern Bride Magazine

Imagine if you will for a moment with me, the moment you were old enough to start dreaming of the person who would represent your “Ken doll” in your life and of course, you would be “Barbie”.

You imagined in your mind the “princess” dress you would wear with the cathedral train that trailed into the next city block. You imagined your handsome “Ken” awaiting you at the end of the three mile aisle you would glide down while everyone in the whole town admired how lovely and magnificent you looked on the most important and mentally rehearsed day of your life.

Of course you also rehearsed in your mind what style and color bridesmaid’s dresses all of the girls in your third grade class would be wearing, but by no means upstaging you the “star” of the day!

You imagined that as soon as your groom’s eyes fell on his exquisite bride, the heavens would part and golden light would shine from above to spotlight you, angels would sing and the whole room of one thousand of your closest friends and family would adore you.

OK, now imagine with me the sound of a needle screeching across a vinyl record!!

I can only speak for myself, but as a wedding planner and designer, it is my greatest desire to make your childhood dreams and fantasies become tangible for you on your wedding day. In fact, it is my desire to exceed your expectations for the most important day of your life, but here is where that dirty word “reality” comes in and steals the show.

Although we can be the most creative visionaries you will ever meet, we were not present when the earth was formed, therefore disqualifying us in the miracle department. J

Wedding television has been an incredible catalyst for our industry. It has opened doors for creative ideas and wonderful locals, for all kinds of wedding experiences. However, it has also set the bar for what brides want and expect on their wedding day.

There has to be some compromise involved if you don’t have a large or unlimited budget. You can still have an extremely elegant, and upscale wedding experience on a limited budget, but you may have to do it in front of 50-100 choice guests as opposed to the 300 that you want. If I had to make one suggestion to a bride who had a limited budget, but still wanted that “TV” worthy wedding, I would tell her to consider her guest list. For every person that you invite to your wedding it could realistically (There is that ugly word again) raise your overall cost $100-$200 per person. That in solid numbers could mean $10,000 for an extra 50 people. Keep in mind that these numbers include all of your expenses for the wedding, including food, linens, flowers, etc.

Your guest list determines everything. Please do not assume that less people in any way makes your wedding experience any less special or enjoyable. It is sometimes more special and intimate with a small crowd.

Remember that this day is about sentiment, love, expression, union, spirituality and joy. I wish you the warmest congratulations and happy planning! ~

Angela Mazanti

Angela Mazanti Events

www.AngelaMazantiEvents.com

Posted in Articles | No Comments »

“How to Use Lighting” Article for Premier Bride Magazine

How to Use Lighting to Create “Drama” For Your Next Event:

Choose Your Mood

If you want to create a “Wow Factor” that will make your guests feel as if they have entered an enchanted far away land as soon as they enter the room, then you should look no further than your closest lighting designer.

A well designed and executed lighting plan can change the whole atmosphere in the flip of a switch. If you don’t have the most elaborate looking venue, you can certainly create one by using theatrical lighting.

Most weddings these days are much, much more than just a ceremony and then a reception with cake, punch and mints; no today’s savvy couples want “drama”!

We can use our artistic design to translate the emotions each couple comes to us with.  Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a sultry affair, it’s important that you communicate to your planner or lighting team the exact look and vibe you want. To change the energy in the room during the night, we can employ a system called intelligent lighting: You can create customized assortments of light or light palettes that alternate throughout the night. Options include an “excitement” palette of reds and oranges, to energize your guests, or a calming “in-between-courses” palette of blues and purples, which can soothe guests and facilitate conversation.

Use Flattering Hues

Golden and amber tones allow you and your guests to look their best. Warm colors, such as gold, flatter everyone and highlight decor beautifully. Shades of pink are also complimentary. You can use these shades to color an entire space and invoke a sense of warmth and comfort.

Light to Enhance

To highlight centerpieces and food displays, we employ a technique called pin spotting, in which a tightly focused light makes decorative touches shine. Gobo lights—a special projector with an etched metal template (the gobo)—can be used to wash the walls with the lines of your favorite poem or to shine a pretty pattern such as the couples monogram on the dance floor.

Gorgeous light isn’t relegated to reception space only. Hallways and courtyards can, and should, be embellished. If your party is a subdued one, you may choose to illuminate these areas to complement your reception lighting and decor. If you opt for a funkier vibe, however, you can change the colors and moods of each area.

A wonderfully lit space is sure to create a desirable ambience and enhance your reception decor. When your guests walk into a room that is lit properly, they will not only look good, but feel great too.”

~Angela Mazanti

Angela Mazanti Events is a full service event design firm, fully equipped and staffed to “Illuminate” your next event.~

www.angelamazantievents.com

(901) 690-2738 

—

Posted in Articles | No Comments »