Great Venues for Your Company’s Holiday Party October 30, 2012

Yes, the time has come to begin (if you haven’t already) planning and coordinating your company’s holiday party. Whether big or small, companies have begun to invest in this tradition again after a few shaky years when they were scaling back or even all-together eliminating company events in an effort to save money in a tight economy. A holiday party is a great way to show valued employees a good time and to thank them for their year-long efforts for the organization. In Pittsburgh, we’re blessed with a wide variety of venues capable of handling very large, very small, industrial-chic to high-end functions that fit every taste and style. We’ve picked five unique locations to showcase:

 

Clockwise from Top Left: Lexus Club, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, The Mattress Factory, Stage AE, Engine House 25.

 

The Mattress Factory: Any company could enjoy this interesting and industrial space for either a sit-down or a blast of a cocktail party. It’s combination of contemporary art and flexible rental spaces make this a very unique gem on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

 

The Lexus Club: Whether a hockey fan or not, you’d be hard-pressed not to enjoy this classy venue inside of Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center. With enough space to host over 250 people for a sit-down meal, or 400 for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, you have many options in this space. Overlooking downtown and with the facility’s Aramark catering staff at your beck-and-call, this is a pretty fabulous place to reflect on 2012’s victories!

 

Stage AE: As Pittsburgh’s newest concert and event venue, Stage AE has hit the North Shore by storm by bringing not only a four seasons entertainment venue to the area, but one that provides numerous options for a variety of hip and urban event styles. With its minimalistic interior space, it can accommodate between 400-1500 easily in a multitude of configurations. It’s also a great place to book a band for your after-dinner entertainment so guests can dance the night away.

 

Engine House 25: Located in the heart of Lawrenceville, and home two event spaces, an operational winery and wine cellar as well as the Clemente Museum, this is one venue that is unlike any other in town. With ample parking and a very unique blend of baseball history, industrial-chic interior design and intimate wine cellar, you have many options when it comes to entertaining your team in this fun location. They can even custom-make wine bottle labels for your event in-house, an added special feature your employees will surely be impressed with!

 

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum: Providing a “distinctive alternative to conventional venues” in the heart of Oakland, this venue would give your guests both a fine place to party as well as a glimpse back in time to the history of our military. With its newly renovated interior and large ballroom space, this is an ideal location to host a large corporate gathering of any kind. Ideally situated near the University of Pittsburgh and public transportation, your guests will be impressed with your ability to combine convenience, affordability and a first-class space all within one location.

 

Looking for more venue ideas or help coordinating your company’s upcoming event? Contact Lindsey at lindseyb@helloproductions.com, or message me on Twitter @lbradleypgh today!

Being the Best Guest October 3, 2012

Weddings (and most events) offer a chance to celebrate and have a good time, and the last thing you want to do is commit an event faux pas. Whether you need a refresher course on how to be a great guest or you have questions as a first-time bride, here are some guest etiquette tips to help you.
 
R.S.V.Please!
 
There is a reason most brides and grooms spend the extra money to send you a pre-stamped RSVP card – it is important to RSVP and on time. This goes for any event that asks for an RSVP. There are many reasons why the host needs to know if you are in or out, including catering estimates and seating. If you know you are definitely attending or if you will not be able to make it, RSVP right away. If you are unsure when you receive the invitation, remind yourself a week before the RSVP deadline to decide. Put the card or invitation where you will not miss it, such as on the refrigerator or paper clipped to your calendar.
 
If you have to cancel after you have already accepted an invitation, be considerate and call the host right away to let them know. It is also important to let the host know if your guest can no longer come and if you are bringing someone in his or her place.
 
Plus One
 
If you are not invited to bring a guest to a wedding, it is not appropriate to RSVP plus one or to bring a guest. If you have any questions about your invitation, call the host and ask for clarification. If you are invited to an event and it is not specified whether or not you can bring a guest, it is still a good idea to call the host ahead of time and ask.
 
This rule of thumb includes children as well. You may think your child will not cost extra because he or she will just pick off your plate when it comes to the meal, but there may be a reason why children were not originally included in the invitation.
 
Black or White
 
If the invitation notes attire, it is important to take that into consideration when choosing your outfit. While black tie may seem formal for an afternoon wedding, it is considerate to respect the wishes of the host. Remember, if you wanted certain attire at your event, you would appreciate everyone following suit!
 
Attire Guide:
White Tie (aka ultra-formal) – Full tux, with tie, vest and shirt for him and long gown for her.
Black Tie (aka formal) – Tuxedo for him and cocktail or dressy evening wear for her.
Black Tie Optional – Dark suit and tie or tuxedo for him. Cocktail, long dress or dressy skirt for her.
Creative Black Tie – A trendy alternative to Black Tie. Tuxedo (sometimes without a tie) for him and cocktail, evening wear or short dress for her.
Semi-Formal (aka after five or informal) – Dark suit for him and cocktail dress for her for an evening event. Suit and tie for him and a shorter dress or pant suit for her for a daytime time.
Cocktail Attire – Dark suit for him and short dress are appropriate for her.
Dressy Casual – Dressed up casual wear, such as a sport coat for him and dressy pants and top for her.
Casual – Typically anything goes but use common sense!
 
Timing
 
Show up on time. Period. If the event is a wedding, plan to arrive at the ceremony at least 15 minutes early. If the event is a surprise party, arrive at least 15 – 25 minutes in advance.
 
Gifts 101
 
If the event is for a birthday, housewarming, retirement, etc., it is acceptable to take the gift with you to the event.
 
For a wedding, it is best to mail it or drop it off for the couple ahead of time. While it is tempting to bring it to the wedding (especially if you purchased something bulky), it is not the best etiquette. If you have ever been a bridesmaid, you understand! Someone has to be in charge of collecting all the gifts, hauling them from the ceremony to the reception, stashing them somewhere safe during the reception (many venues do not want to be responsible for gifts), transporting them to the appropriate car and then making sure they get to the couple.
 
Many consider it customary to send a gift if you cannot attend the wedding. If you are unable to attend, use your best judgment as to whether or not you think it is appropriate to send a gift.
 
Cash
 
It is always a good idea to have some extra cash with you in case you need it to tip the valet or bartender, or need it for an unexpected cash bar.
 
Have fun!
While these are not official wedding rules, they are suggestions compiled by those of us who have attended our share of weddings.