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Bridal Boutique

6 Essential Wedding Party Gifts

Filed Under: Bridal Boutique, Events, Festive Fare, Inspiring Ideas, Venues, Weddings

From visiting venues, tasting cakes, dress shopping, all the way to picking out thank you cards, your wedding party has been a lucrative part of your special day. Here are six practical, yet fun wedding party gift ideas to say thank you!

For the Whole Gang

  • Sunglasses: Taking the time of year and the type of venue into account, gifting cute quality sunglasses is a great option! They’re a great addition to your wedding party photos, and a helpful item to have on hand throughout your big day. Whether it’s an outdoor ceremony, or perhaps a venue like The Exchange Ballroom & Cascade Rooftop that is equipped with a rooftop option, providing your bridesmaids and groomsmen with stylish shades is a thoughtful and practical gift. Plus, your group will look uniformly chic during the day’s festivities and in photos. There is even a bulk ordering option that makes ordering frames easy. They’ll thank you as you are moving from location to location taking pictures and chasing the golden hour!
Warby-Parker-Sunglasses-Portland-Oregon

Warby Parker Sunglasses

 

  • Novelty Glassware: The greatest gift to give is one that can be used again and again. This doesn’t mean gifting something boring, it just means thinking originally and thoughtfully. Consider special ordering your bridesmaids customized wine glasses and your groomsmen personalized liquor glasses to use at the reception. These gifts are not only an eclectic addition to your table settings, but they can also add a modern touch of class to your wedding theme. Unique, yet useful gifts are always the way to go!
Bridesmaids-getting-ready-novelty-glassware-Portland

Bridal Party Getting Ready / Portland, Oregon / Photo: Sweet Life Photography

For the bridesmaids

  • Delicate Jewelry: There is something special about a gift that can be worn daily. Giving your girls a piece of jewelry that matches their bridesmaids’ dresses, but can also match a pair of jeans is something for which they will truly thank you. Love knot bracelets are a popular gift choice for their simplicity and meaning. You’ve asked your favorite friends to help you “tie the knot,” and this bracelet is the perfect symbol of the bond they’ve helped you solidify. Giving your bridesmaids a subtle gift like this may be understated, but it’s definitely a detail your guests are sure to notice as they’re walking down the aisle. It can also easily become a piece they incorporate into their everyday look.

 

  • Tote Bags: What is better than a practical present? What about one that can be personalized and still be used daily?! A monogrammed tote bag is a great gift to give your gals. Not only can you fill it with wedding day essentials like tissues and toiletries, but it is a gift they can use long after your wedding day is over. Whether it be used as a gym bag, a grocery bag or an overnight bag, it will surely get a lot of compliments and serve as a reminder of your special day.

For the groomsmen

  • Cufflinks: Gifting a sentimental token of thanks is easy. Gifting an item that’s practical can be a bit more challenging. Win the day and gift your groomsmen cufflinks, tie clip and a money clip. All in one convenient case, your guys can use these accessories on the day of your wedding, and on many important days to come. It’s remarkable how much the small details like cufflinks or a tie clip can pull an entire look together.

 

  • Dopp Kit: Practicality wins the day. Gifting your guys a personalized leather Dopp kit is a great investment. It is packed with wedding day essentials to make sure everyone’s grooming is up to par. And, conveniently, this tote can be used for travel or even just to store your products in your bathroom.

 

There you have it! A list of practical and essential gifts to give your wedding party! Have any other suggestions? Be sure to share!

 

Wedding-reception-Exchange-Ballroom-Portland-Oregon

Wedding Reception on the Cascade Rooftop at The Exchange Ballroom / Photo: JOS studios

 

 

 

Paper Flowers: A Unique Bride’s Bouquet

Filed Under: Bridal Boutique, Brilliant Blooms, Inspiring Ideas

Vibrant Flowers had the great and rewarding experience of creating an entire bridal bouquet out of hand-crafted paper flowers. See how we rose to the challenge.

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In March 2014, we received an email from a bride who was interested in having us provide the flowers for her wedding in October. Pretty standard, so far. But as we talked more, an interesting dilemma was revealed. She was allergic to flowers. Yes, that’s right, allergic to flowers! Not just one type of flower, we’re talking ALL flowers.
Our Solution? A handmade paper flower bouquet. Vibrant Flowers is not just a florist, we are a team of artists and decor specialists!
We certainly couldn’t have our bride sneezing, tearing up and ruining her makeup before she even got to the altar.

paperrose

One rose could have upwards of 100 petals!

whiteyellowflower

Each flower is completely unique.

greensivory

1 paper petal is made of 3 layers.

ivory

Each petal was hand-cut and shaped.

greenflowers

We bleached and dyed the tissue to get the colors and variations in  transparency.

stamens

We even made our own stamens.

hydrangea

Hydrangea!
Making a bridal bouquet is always special. Being able to spend months working on this bouquet was truly rewarding. It was a very thoughtful and sweet process that translated into a unique keepsake for our bride.
paperbouquet

7 Reasons to Have Your Wedding (or Event) at Lan Su

Filed Under: Bridal Boutique, Spectacular Spaces

Lan Su Discount 2014

1---Natural-Beauty

Natural Beauty

Translated, Lan Su Chinese Garden means ‘Garden of Awakening Orchids’. Changing with the seasons, their lush gardens are simply breathtaking. Winding pathways, a graceful pond (and occasional fowl), pavilions and outdoor patios create a stunning backdrop for weddings and other special events. Another advantage: it’s impossible to take a bad picture in such paradise so you’ll have plenty of mementos of your celebration.

2_Unique-Experience

Unique Experience

Not only is Lan Su a city landmark, it truly is a one-of-a-kind venue. Lovingly constructed with traditional materials and practices by Chinese artisans, Lan Su is the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China. In comparison, ballrooms seem boring. So why not get hitched in a venue as unique as you are?

Portland Wedding Venue - Lan Su Chinese Garden

Heart of the City

Lan Su provides that delicate balance of urban and landscape. The Garden is located in the middle of downtown Portland. Towering modern buildings colored by the setting sun remind you that the bustling city is just beyond the protective walls. Lan Su is easily accessible from many of Portland’s top hotels, making it a convenient choice for out-of-town guests.

Tranquil Lan Su encourages peaceful reflection - a good luck blessing for newlyweds.

Reflective Oasis

Lan Su was built following a 2,000-year-old tradition melding art, philosophy and nature. It is a sanctuary that encourages both literal and figurative reflection. ‘Lake Zither’ reflects the garden’s bounty, the architecture and the city’s tall buildings. Couples can easily find a private moment in one of Lan Su’s many pavilions or peaceful nooks to meditate on their love, their past, and their future together — a spiritual blessing as they embark on one of life’s most rewarding and challenging journeys.

5_Effortless-Details

Effortless Details

The Garden’s innate beauty requires little extra adornment to ‘dress’ it for weddings and events. Rich details like the scrolling on a pavilion, moss-covered stones, peonies in bloom, and a cascading waterfall create all the mood you need. One essential extra, however, is lanterns for evening events in the courtyards and patios.  Lanterns are affordable lighting options that complement Lan Su’s ambiance and offer pops of color.

6_Timeless

timeless

Designed to change with the seasons, the Garden is beautiful year round. Although an outdoor venue, 70% is covered and further areas can be tented. Of course, party size and other event features will have to be considered when renting during cooler months, but Lan Su is available for weddings and special events any any time of the year.

7_Catering-&-Planning-Support

catering & planning support

Vibrant Table is honored to be an exclusive caterer at Lan Su Chinese Garden. Voted ‘Best Caterer’ seven times (Oregon Bride Magazine 2006-2010, 2012, 2013), we help you personalize your menu, create an event plan, manage vendors and rentals. Our services include tailored menus, event planning*, floral and decor. On the day-of, an onsite Event Manager is there from start to finish.  In short, you’ll have a team of event professionals to ensure your wedding runs seamlessly — allowing you to focus on what matters.

*Although Vibrant Table provides event planning, we do not offer wedding coordination. We work with many amazing local wedding coordinators and will gladly provide references upon request.

8_Things-to-Know

Things to Know

For good measure, we’ve added ‘Things to Know’ when renting Lan Su Chinese Garden for weddings and special events because eight is the luckiest number in China. Firstly, Lan Su is a popular tourist destination and can be rented for private events only after public operating hours. That means a modest start time of 7:00 p.m. during the summer months. Secondly, expect to rent all event equipment, including reception tables and chairs, and expect increased delivery charges as equipment needs to be hand carried over the delicate stone and tiled. Lastly, alcohol selections are limited to white wine, champagne, and sake cocktails — or saketinis — because red wine and liquor can cause irreparable damage to the Garden. Similarly, only acrylic or plastic serviceware can be used.

THE GOOD NEWS: Vibrant Table has catered hundreds of events at Lan Su and we will help you maneuver these conditions and realize your vision. For example, there are countless saketini recipes to provide festive options for the cocktail inclined. Likewise, there are so many elegant and creative alternatives to glassware you won’t even miss it.

To Learn More about Lan Su

Photo Shout Out

Vibrant Table is indebted to the photographers who share their work. A huge thank you to these Portland photographers whose images in this post show you just how beautiful Lan Su is: Evrim Icoz Photography (image 1, 4-right, 8-right), Jessica Hill Photography (header image,  2-left, 6-left, 8-left), Peter Noebels Photography (2-right), Benjamin DiCaprio (3-right), One Bloom Photography (4-left), Derrek Becker Designs (6-right), and Sara Gray (7).

Real Wedding: Castaway in Northwest Portland

Filed Under: Bridal Boutique, Soiree Spotlights

We are going through pictures of the many beautiful summer weddings. There are so many gems! One is Danielle and Paul’s gorgeous wedding at Castaway in Northwest Portland. Guided by the talented Luxe Event Productions, Danielle and Paul clearly had their guests’ comfort in mind when planning their celebration. It has it all — fun games, personality, elegant beauty, touching moments and plenty of eye-candy.
Our hats go off to the many talented vendors that worked to make Danielle and Paul’s nuptials such an amazing affair: LUXE EVENT PRODUCTIONS, Vibrant Flowers, Adam Trujillo Photography, Blush Furniture, West Coast Drape, The Party Place and My Bartender.

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Bride and Groom on Portland Waterfront

 

Real Portland Wedding at Castaway

First of all, Danielle and Paul are a beautiful couple.

Tented Ceremony at Castaway

Besides adding a romantic backdrop to Danielle and Paul’s wedding ceremony, tenting, pipe and drape carve a private space in an urban setting and protect guests from Portland’s fickle weather.

Lighting makes a difference at your wedding

Lighting sets the mood, draws the eye, defines space… and so much more. Here they offer interesting background to a variety of wedding shots.

Danielle and Paul thought of their guests comfort when planning their event. Lots of fun activities to entertain.

Danielle and Paul thought of their guests comfort when planning their event. Lots of fun activities to entertain.

Event furniture lounge seating

And a comfortable lounge area to relax.

Duet plated entree of grilled skirt steak and rosemary-lemon chicken breast with potato confit and grilled asparagus. For vegetarian guests, the newlyweds chose stuffed roasted pepper with caramelized sweet onion quinoa and a balsamic reduction. YUM!

Duet plated entree of grilled skirt steak and rosemary-lemon chicken breast with potato confit and grilled asparagus. For vegetarian guests, the newlyweds chose stuffed roasted pepper with caramelized sweet onion quinoa and a balsamic reduction. YUM!

Smores Bar by Vibrant Table Catering

DIY smores bar!!?? Yes, please! (Ask us about setting up a smores bar at your next event.)

Blue cascading bouquet and wedding centerpiece by Vibrant Flowers

‘Something blue’ gorgeous floral by Vibrant Flowers. (Cascading bouquets are back.)

And a lot of dancing with guests that know how to have fun!

Head table at Castaway

Real Portland Wedding at Castaway

And this is what it’s all about… celebrating the love with family and friends.

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Why let a pro handle your event rentals?

Filed Under: Bridal Boutique, Factual FAQs, Setting the Stage

How much are your time and sanity worth? The lucky few who have plenty of both may find that managing event rentals for your wedding, private party, or business event justify the potential, yet minor, cost savings. If your time is money and peace of mind is invaluable, Vibrant Table recommends letting a professional handle this essential but time-consuming aspect of your event – whether that be your wedding coordinator, event planner, or caterer. You WILL thank us!

*   *   *

Lower Work Load

What goes into planning and producing an event? There’s likely any combination of food, bar, lighting, linens, chairs, tables, pipe and drape, specialty lounge furniture, tableware, additional catering equipment, floral, other decor, entertainment, photography and videography. Manage your own vendors – equipment rentals or otherwise — and you’re responsible for…

  • researching what you’ll need from each vendor and how much of each item
  • comparing costs across vendors
  • communicating the inevitable multiple revisions to your order
  • confirming and reconfirming orders
  • keeping track of deadlines
  • coordinating load-in and load-out with the venue for each vendor
  • checking that everyone has delivered what’s expected
  • ensuring that everything gets returned to its proper home

One Contact

When your planner or catering rep manages your rentals, you call one person. We’re then responsible for reconfiguring your order and communicating changes to applicable parties. Aaahh… a sigh of relief.

KNOWLEDGE

As a beginning planner, you may not know what questions to ask. On the other hand, your coordinator knows what information vendors need to perform before the conversation begins – streamlining communication for all parties.

EXPERIENCE

Going with the pros means you reap the benefit of years of experience, failures as well as successes. We’ve already maneuvered the industry landscape so you don’t have to.

Sourcing

Going for a specific look? A professional planner knows the inventory and specialties offered by local and possibly even national vendors. We’re on top of new trends and products, and can help you navigate the endless possibilities.

Vendor Vetting

The pros know which vendors they can rely on to be professional and follow through. We know who always shows up on time, delivers quality materials, and offers fair pricing.

Connections

Your professional coordinator has access in a way that you, as a private individual, do not. We can call for last minute changes on a weekend. We can request free samples and sometimes vendors might even throw in a few extras for good will.

Save Time

You may not mind the endless communication that’s going to be involved in the months and weeks leading up to your event. But what about the days before and day of? Do you have time to inspect 100 linens and count 300 plates, forks, etc.?  Do you really want to be looking for the last 10 forks when everyone else has gone home?

Cost Savings

Yes, your coordinator will charge a service fee for managing rentals and vendors. Most will package it into their contract with you. However, they also can save you money. They can negotiate deals with vendors. Should you manage your rentals, you will probably make beginner mistakes. Perhaps you underestimated glassware for the bar or overlooked something as simple as extension cords. These mistakes can cost you in the long run as vendors scramble last minute to fill in the gaps.

Seamless Event Experience

Is your guests’ event experience important? Errors compromise service. Even the pros occasionally make mistakes, but they know how to respond to each emergency and can even call in favors. They’re working behind the scenes to find a solution, so your guests probably won’t even notice that something is awry. As a beginner, the likelihood of making a mistake that impacts your guests’ experience significantly increases

.

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What do you think?

We rest our case. What do you think? Is it worth it to hire a professional to manage your event rentals? Have you chosen to manage your rentals in the past? Tell us about your experience. We love to hear from  you!

Photo Credits

We are indebted to the photographers who allow us show their work. The Victorian table top was shot at an Oregon Bride inspiration shoot and can be found in their Fall 2010 issue. The white and salmon room was contributed by Evrim Icoz Photography.

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