Having a Vision - You Have to See it Before You Can Build It

We have the chance to work with so many incredible Planners/ Event Production companies like Best Events, Bolthouse Productions and David Tutera.   It's crazy to me that so many people approach their event without hiring a company/person that can bring vision.  Lay-out, flow, feel and overall energy is dependent on this vision and whether your planning a wedding, birthday, awards show or celebration you cannot rely on anyone.  Ask one of our event professionals for a full list of great Event Planners here

Make Your Event Feel Warm and Inviting

 Take a look at this picture.  Yes the sofas are interesting and the look is really chic but it also has a really warm feel.  This can be accomplished by adding elements of warmth….i.e. shag carpeting, foliage, lighting and dropping chandeliers.

What do you think? Does it give off a warm feeling?

You can see more pictures of this event and other warm feeling events here.

The Oddest Space Can Be The BEST Event Space

This week I am preparing to work on the 15 floor of a completely gutted office building.  The ceiling isn’t finished and the walls are painted a boring cream color BUT the views are incredible and it has a really cool flow.  Bottom line I think people who see the final product will be completely shocked by how it transforms.  It will have the WOW factor. Pictures coming soon of the final result!

Tip by: Ryan Choura

Stop Making Your Event Look So Matchy Matchy

We recently did an event that required a really different look.  We brought in a variety of sofas, chairs and dining tables.  Many times events are filled with 60inch rounds and white linens accompanied by a colored napkin.  The approach I am recommending is not for everyone but when pulled off really creates a special feel. 

Now remember your going to question your decision mid-stream so….pull pieces you like and believe it will accent the feel, then build the puzzle.  Good luck!

Tip By: Ryan Choura

Why Should You Celebrate Thanksgiving?

I understand everyone wants to open Christmas presents tomorrow morning but let’s just hold on a second.  A wonderfully planned Thanksgiving gathering is second to none.  It just seems that from a planning perspective, Thanksgiving needs a couple little tweaks. 

Here are my top 3 adjustments:

1.)  You cannot start to do dishes for 1 hour after everyone has eaten.  The rush to get through Thanksgiving is crazy.  Just chill out and enjoy.

2.)  Create a journal of family recipes.  Martha Stewart is not going to influence my Thanksgiving. I want things that mean something special from my family.

3.)  If your hosting, then create a comfortable environment.  Letting people eat dessert on the couch while watching a football game gives me an anxiety attack but I have learned to manage.  Let your guests use your home.  It’s what it’s for!

Tip By: Ryan Choura

Why is Vinyl Sooooo Good?

Rain is on it’s way this week and what are you going to do? Utilizing vinyl tenting as a way to cover your space is crucial. 

Good thing Choura Events is here to provide that for you! 

Check out our tenting options http://choura.us/rentals/catalog/tents

Let's Talk Contracts

There is a lot of power in the details of your event contract.

1% of the world’s population likes reading the details on an event contract.  My tip is make sure you take the time to ensure what you want is what is on that contract.   

Here are my top 5 things I look for.

1.)  When are they delivering / when are they picking up

2.)  Time-line of all events/additional vendors

3.)  Number of staff and when are they arriving

4.)  Site map (where does everything go?)

5.)  Quantities of items agreed to with the terms of payment.(no one likes to be blindsided)

Most likely you won’t look but if you do you will be in much greater power position.

Tip By: Ryan Choura

Try Something “New” Like Going to a Silent Disco

Everyone likes doing something new. Events many times get stagnant and stick to the same strategies from years past.  I always appreciate seeing someone overcome barriers to pull something off.  Seeing a “Silent Disco” go down gave me the warm and fuzzies because I'm seeing that people are trying and doing new stuff.  

Check out the history http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_disco

Make Sure You Take Care of the Grass

Not sure how many of you have mowed a lawn, trimmed shrubs or had a fancy cactus garden.  Any time your setting up an event you have to care about your surroundings.  If not you cause a bunch damage and create a lot of turmoil between you and your client.

Here are my Top 3 recommendations on ensuring a healthy relationship with your grass/ client.

1.  During job walk discuss plan on how ALL vendors are going to load in/load out to ensure covered paths.

2.  Mark all water lines, gas lines and electrical lines.

3.  Bring in vendors that don’t drag, bang, bump or drop.

Clean

Its pretty rare to see an event that is this aesthetically pleasing. Many people planning events slop together a smorgasbord of furniture, colors and other items with the  high hopes of creating something that is appealing.  I believe in creating spaces that feel clean and inviting.(No that doesn't mean modern) My good friend Priscilla said it this way.....don't make your space feel like Home Goods just rained on you. 

Keep it simple.  Style is a good word.