carnival – St. Simons Wedding Planner :: Island Destination Weddings

St. Simons Wedding Planner :: Island Destination Weddings | carnival

-1

archive,tag,tag-carnival,tag-1720,edgt-core-1.3,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,hudson-ver-3.3, vertical_menu_with_scroll,smooth_scroll,blog_installed,hide_inital_sticky,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-7.0,vc_responsive

Bring Coachella to Your Next Event

Blog, Wedding Sugar

So you’re tired of the same old dinner party, the same routine wedding festivities, the humdrum of birthday parties, right? There is no need to get down– take some inspiration from this year’s Coachella Festival. If you haven’t heard about Coachella ( how could you escape it this year when they basically “resurrected” Tupac for a “live” hologram concert performance), we’ll give you the skinny: it’s a three day long annual music and arts festival in the Coachella Valley. It’s frequented by some of the biggest names in the entertainment and fashion industry with performances, exhibits and parties throughout the sprawling desert backdrop.

Each year, it seems Coachella gets better and better (cue another mention of the amazing Tupac performance). All of the artists, performers and brands really bring it for this weekend. There were some great ideas that could translate nicely for your next event. Take a look:

Several people enjoyed the Armani Exchange and TMobile Carnival Party. We’ve posted before about getting your Coney Island on with your event— be it with food and drink or decor and details. The most important thing with having a theme is to remain authentic to the details and your personality. Basically, “skip the cheese, go for the meat“. Don’t go for the ultra cheesy details, but be authentic as possible.

Lighting is ridiculously awesome. It can transform any space into something dramatic and exciting. The key to incorporating good lighting is your base– look at your area’s walls, floors, etc. Make sure your lighting has something to reflect off of to create striking pillars or soft washes of colors.

If you’ve got a pool at your next party, don’t neglect it! Incorporate it in your party. The open air atmosphere can add so much to your event. Create custom cabanas by having personalized pillows with your pictures, monograms, colors or wedding logo. This gives your guests a great place to find respite or catch up on conversation. Your pool can be a well designed focal point as we shared with The Braxton Premiere Party.

What would you inspires you from Coachella?

Take Me Away Tuesday: Sixthman’s Floating Music Festivals!

Luxury Destinations

Looking for something fun and non-traditional for your honeymoon or mini-moon? If you’re music lovers, definitely check out Sixthman’s Floating Music Festivals! Everyone loves long walks on the beach and romantic sunsets, but what about the giant culture of music lovers who want to combine their love of music festivals with a Caribbean vacation? Sixthman has a variety of floating music festivals for every taste!

In 2011, Sixthman will host several sold-out and almost-sold-out cruises including Kid Rock’s Chillin’ the Most Cruise, Cayamo: A Journey through Song (featuring Steve Earle, John Prine, Patty Griffin, Indigo Girls, Brandi Carlile, and more), 311 Caribbean Cruise, Barenaked Ladies’ Ships and Dip, and more. We even do an ELVIS Cruise with Graceland every year!

There are also a few cabins left on VH1 Best Cruise Ever (featuring Train, Lifehouse, Colbie Caillat, The Script and a dozen more), which sails on Carnival Inspiration from Tampa to Cozumel on April 28-May 2. If you’d like to see other Sixthman events, check out their website.

Which Sixthman party boat would you like to go on?

Details: Dulcet Cuisine

Wedding Sugar

Ketchups

Remember our Coney Island :: Carnival Wedding post? Here are some great gourmet ketchups and sauces that we talked about by Dulce Cuisine. They are all-natural, beautifully packaged ethnic cooking spices, rubs and mustards, and now ketchup! There are three varieties–mild Indian curry, sweet orange chili and peppery Moroccan.

Spice up one of your favorite dishes such as burgers, hot dogs, fries and even mac and cheese (I know, but do it!) for an extra kick.

Event Vision: Coney Island/Carnival Wedding Cocktail Hour, Part 2

Wedding Sugar

coney island vintage carnival inspired wedding

And we’re back—with more Coney Island/Carnival inspired goodies for your wedding. We’ve already talked about food and drinks, let’s talk about color!

wedding carnival color palette

I love these colors for this type of wedding— Pantone’s Fiery Red (18-1664 TC), Blazing Yellow (12-0643 TC) and Cyan Blue (16-4529 TC). They are fun, punchy and exciting. While they are vibrant, you can use them sparingly and purposely, such as in your flowers, linens and food. What about your paper needs for your wedding? Invites, menus, escort cards, and other fun things can really carry this theme through your event.

vintage carnival invitation by two trick pony

I love these vintage beauties, the Coney Island 1896 Wedding Invitation :: From Royal Steamline’s Etsy Shop on the left, and Two Trick Pony’s vintage carnival wedding invitation. These are fun, but elegantly crafted which doesn’t make your event look it will be at Chuck E. Cheese. The Vintage Glam Blog offers Free Carnival Printables which would make for great accessories at your event. You can use tickets as your escort cards as well create custom popcorn and peanut bags with your names or wedding logo.

postcard-historyamusementparkscom

If you want to opt for something non traditional for your wedding guest book, look for vintage carnival or Coney Island post cards for your guests to sign like this one from Amusement Park History or these 1949 Coney Island postcards. Your guests write a message on the back and your designee can send them to you after your honeymoon. It’s nice to receive them in the mail and see the love from your wedding guests!

orange zinnias flowers for carnival coney island wedding lRedCheckLg

These arrangements of zinnias, paired with orange abutilon (flowering maple), chartreuse nicotiana, acid-green jasmine, and two kinds of berries: orange-and-yellow viburnum in white-glazed porcelain pots and gold-interior votive holder, from Treillage, treillageonline.com. (via Brides.com, photo by Victor Schrager, casual, but striking for this type of event. The red and white gingham linen from BBJ Linen are prefect for casual cocktail tables or to cover hay bales.

wheelochance game fatcats game party4funcom milk_bottle game

What is a carnival without games? Your local rental company may have fun games featured above like Wheel O’ Chance, Fat Cats, and Milk Bottle Toss which can make for great fun at your cocktail hour, reception or afterparty. Your wedding guests will be engaged and have a good time. Don’t be concerned if you aren’t the focus of attention—nothing could replace you!

Of course, you cannot forget about the photobooth! I love Our Labor of Love’s Smilebooth because it is interactive and so much fun (can’t you hear them laughing?). Incorporate fun props like sunglasses and hats, but remember to stay true to your theme with fake beards (A la The Bearded Lady), fake snakes, swords, and masks. Have a ball!

With all of these fun ideas, and great inspiration of at Green Wedding Shoes, there is so much to plan and design. Whether you choose to incorporate one or all of these ideas, your party will be an awesome party to remember.

Event Vision: Coney Island-Carnival Wedding Cocktail Hour

Wedding Sugar

vintage coney island carnival wedding ideas

I just lurv a Coney Island/Carnival inspired party. There is something that is so nostalgic and fun about these types of parties and weddings that make it turn into an experience instead of just a party. That’s why I’m not just going to give you eye candy, I am going to tell you the story behind this event vision. Even if you are not 100% sold on doing an entire wedding based on this theme—it can be great for a cocktail hour or final hour of your wedding—or even an after party!

Food

Carnival food should be part of the food pyramid. Pretty much convinced of that—but since it’s not, here is a fun way to bring back your favorites in a glammed up version for your wedding guests.

cotton candy martha stewart wedding favor food funnelcake-dineanddishnet grp_edr_mini_franks_sz2-yum sugar

Cotton candy, funnel cake and hot dogs make great treats to pass around as your party winds up or winds down. The cotton candy from Martha Stewart, is colorful but packs much flavor. Mini funnel cakes or even a funnel cake bar with various toppings (whipped cream, ice cream, fruit and gourmet sugar toppings) can be fun and cure any sweet tooth ailment (or cause one!). These mini hot dogs from Yum Sugar can be paired with gourmet sauces like chipotle ketchup or honey dijon mustard.

french fry shooter hors d'oeuvres bridescafe french fries in holder with newspaper

What’s a carnival with out french fries? A travesty! The first picture from The Bride’s Cafe is an upscale display of french fry shooters, which I adore. Nevertheless, I am still captivated by this vintage version I found over at The Cinderella Project. The only thing that would top it would be to personalize the paper that comes with the fries—shoot for making your own personalized newspaper with your names and life events for a realistic, personal touch.

Popcorn Bar at Wedding

Ever since I spoke at the Eventology conference this year, I have become obsessed with Garrett’s Popcorn (Thank YOU, Katasha!). And nothing could soothe your soul more, end world hunger and solve the health care reform debate than a popcorn bar with Garrett’s. There are other companies that provide a myriad of flavors and seasonings, but if you want to stay true to your carnival theme, opt for caramel and butter only served troughs—I mean decorative vases and containers.

Snow cones by Fresher than Fresh

Another favorite? Snow Cones. But not just your run-of-the-mill snow cones, I’m talking about Fresher Than Fresh snow cones. Made with natural flavors and fruits, they are sure to be a hit. Featured above are clementine, blackberry lavender, agave hibiscus, lemon prickly pear, and ginger rose!

Drinks

Drinks can be made just as much fun as the food! In addition to your regular bar, add some fun like these mini root beer floats found on the San Diego Food Stuff blog :

Mini root beer float shooters

Of course, what would this party be without a signature drink?

caramel apple martini-thegoodlifeinthecity

Check out these caramel apple martinis by Good Life in the City. Perfect mix of tart and sweet, as well as reminiscent of the all-time carnival favorite. FYI, traditional candy apple mix makes a great candy apple martini as well. Here is the recipe for the caramel apple martini:

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add ½oz vodka, ½oz Sourz apple liqueur and ½oz butter ripple schnapps. Shake and strain into a Martini glass rimmed with caramel syrup.

Okay, luxelings—we’ve talked food and drink; stay tuned as we start incorporating other fun details!