There’s the age old saying ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’. Traditionally, these are followed by the bride, but there are many different ways you can incorporate these traditions into your wedding. Today we are sharing some of our favorite ‘something blue’!

A beautiful blue sash is perfect for the bride who wants a little pop of color against her white dress.

Having monogrammed shirts for the bridesmaids to wear while getting ready makes for some great photos. We love the idea of having the bridesmaids in blue shirts and the bride in a white shirt!

Is blue your color? If so, blue bridesmaids dresses are definitely a ‘something blue’!

Having a subtle monogram and date embroidered to the inside of the wedding gown is a special touch.

Blue escort cards make for a different touch. We love that the ones in the photo above are several different shades of blue!

There are so many gorgeous pairs of blue shoes to choose from. They’ll be hidden under the wedding gown, for the most part, but every once in a while, guests will catch a glimpse of your blue soles!

 If a sash on your wedding gown is too much, having a sash on the flower girl’s dress is the sweetest touch.

So whether you are going with something subtle like embroidering the inside of your dress or you want a pop of color like a blue sash, there is something for every bride!

Marianne Buncher Chijner has been a professional calligrapher for almost thirty years.    From escorts cards to menus to envelopes, Marianne’s beautiful hand calligraphy has provided the perfect touch for countless TEG events.

I am delighted to be invited to contribute to The Event Group’s Blog!

Sharing my calligraphic skills with those who are planning any of the very special events in life is something that I have enjoyed for nearly thirty years.

Everything that I create stems from a labor of love, and my calligraphy (so I’ve been told!) reflects that passion.

In this day and age, many wedding invitations, escort cards and other stationary essentials are being addressed by computers.  While this method is perfectly fine, hand calligraphy offers personal and unique touches that cannot be replicated by technology.  Often referred to as “the art of fancy lettering,” hand calligraphy helps to establish the tone of the event from the moment the invitation arrives in a guest’s mailbox.

There are so many components that are involved in this ancient art form.

The process begins with dipping the penholder and nib in the carefully blended ink and then applying just the right amount of pressure needed to create the thick and thin lines that form each letter.  These precise movements are called the down and upstrokes.

In addition to placing the right amount of ink with the right amount of pressure, the calligrapher must also know how to plot and space the address on the envelope.

So when establishing a budget to celebrate a special occasion, think about adding the personal and unique touch that can be provided by a professional calligrapher’s services, and let an expert assist you in creating ‘the perfect beginning to a wonderful end!’

Happy planning!

Marianne Buncher Chijner

mbscribe@comcast.net

The Kentucky Derby, on Saturday May 3rd, is right around the corner! We are looking back at a past Kentucky Derby party that we had the pleasure of coordinating. The event was held at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. The Heinz History Center has great spaces and lots of natural light. It is the perfect venue for parties, weddings and events of all kinds!

Derby props greeted guests as they entered into the Mueller room.

The party decor was based off of the phrase ‘run for the roses’, the Kentucky Derby’s unofficial tagline.

The mint julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. A mint julep is composed of sugar, water, mint, ice and bourbon. For this event, Common Plea Catering served mini mint juleps in silver cups.

High and low cocktail tables were set with small centerpieces of fragrant red roses in traditional silver mint julep cups. The bright red roses were the perfect pop of color against the crisp white pin-tuck linens.

The focal point of the room was a large display of red roses amid a vignette of white banquettes and mirrored coffee tables. This was not only beautiful, but provided a great place for guests to rest their feet and set their drinks down.

The guests viewed the ‘greatest two minutes in sports’ on a large screen. Before the race started, party-goers were able to place faux bets at a betting window that we had specially constructed for the event. Those who chose the winning horse were then entered into a raffle and given prizes at the end.

 There were lots of traditional derby foods served. From hot browns to fried green tomatoes, there was plenty of southern cooking for everyone. In the photo above, you will see delicious, creamy lobster mac ‘n cheese served in silver horse pails.

No guest left hungry, that’s for sure! A sweet treat buffet was available for guests to come and go as they please. Aren’t these derby themed sugar cookies by Bella Christie’s fabulous?

We hope this post inspires you to host your own derby party! For more event inspiration, find us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!