IMS Audio-Visual
just adding a color can dramatically enhance the event.”
"Linens are such an important detail and can greatly change the overall atmos- phere of any event,” she continues. "There is no other surface in any event space that is as easily changed with such little effort, time and expense and with such dramat- ic and impressive results. From chairs and guest tables, to food and beverage areas, linens pull the whole look together.”
When selecting tablecloths, planners will need to know the actual size of the tables at their event. They also need to decide the length of coverage, or “drop,” that they desire for their event. When it comes to chair covers, remember that there are dif- ferent types of chairs, and within those types, different sizes, too. “Request sam- ples to ensure that you are getting exactly what you were expecting along with the fit you need,” suggests Harris.
Harris offers a few suggestions for getting the desired look at an event, as well. "Spandex is a great option for both casual and high-end events. It also is great for events held outside, since you will not have to worry about your cloths blowing in the wind... Runners can be used to dress up a table if budget constraints do not allow for designer linens.”
In addition, she says, using upgraded nap- kins such as Bengaline, Pintuck, Satin and Krinkle can easily change the look of a
68 May June 2012
table and add a bit of elegance to the event.
When it comes to color, “We are seeing a lot of purples and blues,” observes Harris.
“Also, many planners are mixing textures throughout an event space, such as Spandex, Crush, Satin and Krinkle,” she notes. “They also are using a lot of neutral colors and natural fibers. In addition, our clients are pairing colors like pewter with purples and grays with yellows.”
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Phyllis Jablonowski, CSEP, owner of Eventricity, LLC, points out that realistic timelines are often overlooked or not con- sidered at all during the planning process, yet they are critical to the success of any event.
"People do not realize the time things take to accomplish properly,” says Jablonowski. "Preplanning and budgeting also are easi- ly overlooked. I find that people start out with a rough idea of a budget, but they don't add things up as the process pro- gresses. This causes all kinds of angst at the end, and a mad dash to either find more money or begin slashing items from the budget.”
She says that this unnecessary complica- tion can be easily avoided so that no one will end up feeling less than satisfied.
She notes that elements such as audio- visual services,
lighting, furnishings,
linens, florals and decor all help to enhance the ambience of an event space. "They create the setting and the context for the guest experience. Each of these elements excites the senses and engages the guest. Engagement will elicit much more response and more participation, therefore creating positive memories.”
That's what these event essentials are all about - creating experiences for the guests, says Jablonowski. Whether it is a new type of food and beverage prepara- tion, the addition of an interactive enter- tainment piece, or a change in lighting, all of these elements are important to an event's success.
Afterall, she notes, "Guests want to experi- ence the event, not just attend it.”
Not completely understanding the prod- uct or service is another common prob- lem area, when it comes to planning, says Jablonowski. "Since most guests experi- ence a service at the end user stage, they may not be in tune to all the necessary steps that it takes to make that happen. Often, things like delivery and set-up requirements or other contract issues can be overlooked, which can become an issue later. Knowing if the mechanical bull you ordered can go up a flight of stairs and into the ballroom is something you need to find out ahead of time.”
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