Inspiration Monday: Hello Kitty

I've been seeing a lot of blogs about Hello Kitty weddings lately and I thought wow...there are some people who literally take the Hello Kitty theme to heart. So as I pondered...what would I do if a bride insists on designing a wedding around the theme of Hello Kitty? I thought about it all day and came up with the above inspiration board (click board to enlarge).

I am inspired by Hello Kitty's simplicity and versatility. I am inspired by the color pink...all shades of it. I am inspired by the quirkiness that fans of the cartoon icon seem to possess. I'm inspired by Japan. So in designing my Hello Kitty inspiration board, I have mixed the classic with the wild and have added a touch of the famous pink.

My inspirations (top left and clockwise): Wedding Gown: Alvina Valenta; Pink Dyed Crinoline (for under the gown): couturesantrash (ETSY); Flowers: fleuretica; Bridesmaid Gown: Jenny Yoo; Bracelet for bridesmaids gifts: Sanrio; Cotton Candy Bar: Martha Stewart; Chandelier: GSPN Crystals; Ceremony Site: One Source Weddings; Shoes: Stuart Weitzman; Centerpiece: InStyle Weddings; Wedding Cake: Simply Cakes; Ring: Gumuchian

I hope this inspires the little girl in you.

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites

Say It Loud...Say it with Graffiti

Graffiti is becoming a popular way of customizing an event. No, not that graffiti...urban areas with random spray paint taggings or NYC street scene ala Keith Haring or Jean-Michel Basquiat, rather an elegant temporary surface decal to help you spice up the space.

Such vendors as Wonderful Graffiti Wedding is helping party throwers create a customized event with an eye popping display of cool graphics. Wonderful Graffiti Wedding states that their product is "very thin pieces of matte vinyl that look "printed" when applied to most smooth surfaces."

I mean you can literally put this on any smooth surface, such as walls, doors, windows, glasses, plates, or even a floor. It just adds a very personal touch to your event. It's easy to put on and even easier to take off and it does not harm the underlying surface.

What I love about this is that you can literally customize elements of your event to make it look personal. So what that your best friend used the same function space, with graffiti, you can make it look like the whole place was just made for you. You can use monograms, sayings, images, or whatever your heart desires.

For your next event, don't just look at the tables or hard objects, be creative and use surfaces to invoke your personality.

-Percy

Picture from Wonderful Graffiti Wedding

Bridal Show of All Bridal Shows this Monday 9/22 in Los Angeles

If there is one bridal show you must attend this year, it's The Wedding Salon Wedding Showcase. It's being held this Monday, September 22, 2008 from 4pm - 9pm at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

The cost of the is $50/for two people, a drop in the bucket for everything you get and the people you will meet. I'm sure that their goody bags alone will be worth the price! For a list of vendors for the LA show, please visit The Wedding Salon site.

Hope to see you Southern California Brides there!

-Percy

The Wedding Salon Event - 9/22/08 Los Angeles

Hey, you Southern California Brides and Grooms...the best of the best wedding shows is just around the corner and it is coming to Los Angeles!

The Wedding Salon, put on by 4Pm Events, is going to be the must attend luxury wedding showcase of the year. You will get to see the latest products and experience the exceptional services that caters to the sophisticated bride and groom, and maybe you will bump into me...yes I will be checking out all the goings on as well! You will be able to meet with finest companies to plan your wedding as well as experience the spectacular displays of wedding fineries including cakes, gowns, and floral arrangements.

The cost of the event is a mere $50/for two people, a drop in the bucket for everything you get and the people you will meet. I'm sure that their goody bags alone will be worth the price! For a list of vendors for the LA show, please visit The Wedding Salon site (the list will continue to grow as the date comes closer). The LA Show will take place on Monday, September 22, 2008 at the Beverly Hills Hotel from 4pm - 9pm. If you are not in the LA area, here is a list of upcoming Wedding Salon shows coming to a city near you.

Wednesday October 22, 2008
New York, NY
Show hours: 4pm - 9pm
Venue: TBD
Address: New York, NY

Monday November 10, 2008
Miami, FL
Show hours: From 4pm -9pm
Venue: The Biltmore Hotel
Address: 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Miami, FL 33134

Have a grand day exploring all the best for your upcoming nuptials. Register today!

-Percy

Logo from The Wedding Salon

Inspiration: China

After watching the Olympic's Opening Ceremony in Beijing, I was totally inspired by what China brought to the world. So I saw it fit to come up with as an inspiration board for a wonderful Chinese inspired wedding and this is what I came up with.

I am inspired by Qipao's or Cheongsam's, colorful lanterns, cherry blossoms, fortunes, Chinese lantern flowers, peonies, images of old Shanghai, Chinese character blocks, jade, and scrolls.

Details of my inspiration:
Wedding Gown: Luci DiBella for Kleinfeld
Qipao/Cheongsam: Oriental-Cheongsam
Cake: Christine Dahl Pastries
Fortune Cookies: Martha Stewart

Jade Bracelet: Rose Gem

Rubber Stamp: Acme Rubber Stamp Co.

Invitation: Char4U

I hope this inspires your Double Happiness!

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites and Percy Sales Events stock photos

Inspiration: Spain

In planning my 40th Birthday getaway in March...I was inspired by the romance and the old world feel of Spain. When people think of Spain, they often picture the iconic flamenco dresses or the intrigue of Gaudi's influence in Barcelona. Additionally, there are some who confuse Spain with Mexico, but we all know there is a difference.

So I thought how fun would it be to do an inspiration board on Spain. Here are my inspirations for an old world, with a modern feel, Spanish themed wedding.

I'm inspired by lace and embroidery, wrought iron and flamenco combs, simple flowers embellished with religious ornamentation, and small churches with ornate details.

Details of my inspiration:

Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Church: El Presidio Church, Santa Barbara, California
Rhinestone Comb: Model Bride
Bridesmaids Dress: Nanette Lepore
Invitation: Lehr & Back
Cake: Nico Designs Santa Barbara
Wrought Iron Candlesticks: Saladotex
Flowers: Photo taken by Serena Grace Photo

I hope this inspires your inner Spaniard and the spirit of Ole!

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites

Paper Flower Centerpieces

Since it's Fiesta in Santa Barbara, I was scanning some sites for paper flowers since I have seen an array of them this past weekend. I am loving the concept of trying these out as centerpieces. They are environmentally correct and the nice thing is they make a bold statement.

Take for instance these paper flowers from Daisys and Dots that look like hydrangeas. Totally cool in my opinion and for you DIY brides and grooms, this can be a fun event for you and a few of your friends to do one evening over some bottles of wine.

Another plus is that paper comes in an array of colors so you can customize them to match your event, but truthfully, I would probably keep in the more natural tones to look more authentic. However, if you are in to bold statement than go with the outlandish colors and let your creative side take over.

I also love the photo that Willowpoppy took of these paper flowers that look like poppies....absolutely gorgeous and the colors combos are great.

I hope these photos inspire your own paper creativeness!

-Percy

Photos from Daisys and Dots and Willowpoppy

Karma Chameleon

Some say that we have our own aura, a color or colors that we as people exude to others. Well people seem to think that mine is a multitude of colors like a rainbow, so I will take that for what it's worth, I guess I am some sort of chameleon, using certain colors when I need it most.

Talking about colors, I have come across this little gadget that can change the aura of your centerpieces. I think it is one of the most inventive gadgets made to date...well at least its useful for event and wedding planners.

I first saw this gadget at an event I attended and recently found it on one of my favorite wedding supply Web stores Save On Crafts. What's great about these LED vase lights is that it can transform your centerpiece and light your tables without doing the expensive pinpoint lightings. There are three different sizes 6" white base, 3-3/4" white base, and a 4" black base.

"The large vase illuminator is powerful. It has functions (two buttons on the side) that allow you to pick what color or colors you want (blue, green, red, pink, clear). It has 40 tiny bright led lights in the center. It is a battery powered LED lighting base that is used up-light centerpieces. Produces a great accent for centerpieces. On/Off switch, requires 3 AA batteries (not included). And easy to install," according to Save On Crafts.

I personally think this is a must have for any table centerpiece...even in your own home. I've tried it, it's very easy to use, and I can't believe the amount of light it actually gives off. So for your next event, try changing the colors of your centerpiece and see what type of karma it brings to you. I'm sure it will be all good.

-Percy

Photo from Save On Crafts

Culture Shock

Why is it that weddings from other countries are so much more colorful than those here in the US? I wonder if people from other cultures would think ours to be a little drab. I think it's time for Americans to finally let go of the traditional white and penguin suits and mix it up with some cross cultural aspects at their shindig!

How awesome would it be to be dressed more colorfully at your nuptials, or at least inject some color into it...you know I love bright happy colors. Pastels and soft colors are so passé. Take for instance this Indonesian wedding that has wonderful tones of pink and turquoise with loads of gold details...Well maybe a little less gold, though it is making a comeback. They aren't afraid of colors and in the big scheme of things, it actually looks good together.

I guess what I am saying is that color is in and I am starting to finally see it here in the US. Brides and grooms are starting to look outside of the traditional box and finding ways to have their nuptials stand out.

One bride that I have worked with went to the extent of mixing the cultures by changing the theme to her reception almost every hour. She started in the traditional white gown, nice white gloved seated dinner and the traditional toasts and dances. By the end of dinner she had donned a Sari, lights transformed the ballroom to a middle eastern feel with lots of reds and gold’s, belly dancers graced the dance floor and a buffet table serving middle eastern desserts were rolled out as the band rocked out to Bollywood style music. By the end of the evening, she had changed again to a Mexican inspired gown, the colors in the ballroom turned into cool blues - reminiscent or sultry evenings in Cabo San Lucas or Havana and the music changed to a Latin Cubano hip hop session. Cigar stations were rolled out, mojitos started to flowing, and Mexican inspired strolling ice cream vendors serving cones to the crowd. This was definitely a "Cross Culture" success - and the bride and the groom were both Caucasian.

I guess what I am trying to say is don't be afraid to infuse some different cultures into your day - even if it is just the music, it makes your wedding even more exciting and memorable for your guests and it’s a way for you to celebrate the world's diversity. At any rate have fun figuring out what part of the world you want to incorporate into your special day. Who knows it may inspire you in other ways.

-Percy

Photo from ABC News

Dual Use - Always a Good Thing

I love to use things for dual purposes. Not only does it kill two birds with one stone, but it also carries a theme throughout the evening. These mini lanterns fall into that category and one of my favorite event accessories this summer.

In reality this lantern, which comes in a multitude of colors, has three purposes for an event. It can be used as a seating card (tie a bow with the name of the guest and their table number on the handle), table light (put a tea light in it already lit or a battery operated one and have your guests put it on the table to add to the ambiance), and an event favor.

These lanterns can be bought through My Wedding Favors for a bargain, $3 a piece. So if you are having a summer or beach side wedding, this mini lantern is the perfect accessory. They also make great aisle decor hanging off wrought iron lantern hooks or just set on the ground surrounded by sand or sea shells.

-Percy

Photo from Brides.com

Reflections of You and Me

One of my favorite items for events are these mirrored candle holders made by Present Time. It adds a new level of dimension to a room and the table setting. I am actually using the 3 arm candle holder and the single candle holder at a wedding today.

What I love about these is that is that they are so versatile. They can be used in casual as well as upscale settings and the cost is minimal. They add depth to a room and helps reflect light as well, a much better solution than those "tired" and "old" mirrored squares or circles that people put floral arrangements or candles on.

The only thing you have to check on is to see if your venue site allows open flames. The candle holders are easy to assemble and they are so sturdy. The three arm measures 42 cm high and 33.5 cm deep. These candle holders come in black mirror also, but I think the classic mirrored look is just perfect.

So for your next event, add some reflection to your centerpieces by adding and mixing things up with these mirrored candle holders.

-Percy

Photo from Present Time