Tips for a Quick Party Clean Up December 4, 2018

We love everything about events – the food, the décor, the fun. But even we don’t love the clean-up at the end of the night. We don’t want the thought of post-party mess to get in the way of hosting a fabulous party, so here are a few tips for making your party clean-up a breeze!

 

Trashcans

 

You may be inclined to hide your trashcans, but having a few visible will help guests do their share of the work by throwing away used plates and napkins. These trashcans are functional and would fit perfectly into any party décor.

Clockwise: Great new use for decals, Countertop trashcan, Festive liners 

 

Disposables

 

Disposable plates, cups, napkins and silverware have come a long way – you can buy them in almost any color, including silver, wood and patterned. You can even buy serving size bowls, dishes and platters that can be thrown away or given to guests with their leftovers.

Clockwise: Zebra print plates, Plastic serving platter, Party supplies in assorted colors (www.poshpartysupplies.com)

 

If you prefer real dishes, consider renting them from a local party rental supply company. If you are serving wine, renting wine glasses not only prevents you from having to wash yours halfway through the party if you need more, but it saves you cleanup time the next day. We often look to All Occasions Party Rentals for rental items.

 

Send Leftovers Home

 

Speaking of leftovers, if you anticipate having a lot of leftover food, have to-go boxes ready ahead of time for guests to take leftovers home. This will save you from having to put all the food away that night and will give your guests another chance to remember what a great party it was the next day!

Left to right: Printed labels, Colorful take out boxes 

 

Have Your Pet Sleepover at a Friend’s

 

If you have a dog, you may be tempted to keep him out of guests’ way upstairs or in another room. Why not save yourself the trouble and give your furry friend a little vacation by having him sleepover at a friend’s house? You pup will feel pampered and you won’t have to worry about him during the party or afterwards, when you’re ready to crash.

Stash Stain Remover

 

In order to stay on top of any stains when they happen, stash stain remover somewhere easy to access so you can quickly spray it on a stain and then resume the party, without missing a beat.

Start With a Clean House

 

And last, but not least, start with a clean house or space. It will make the after-party clean up that much easier!

An Intimate Look Inside a Hello Wedding November 27, 2018

So many times, I am asked, “what makes a wedding stand out from the rest?” My immediate answer is that it’s the personal touches that truly make it special. From the moment I met Jess and Nate, I knew their wedding would be one for the books.

Jess and Nate live in New York City, but were returning to their roots in Pittsburgh for their big day. The bride and groom met in college at Penn State and Nate has been making Jess (and everyone around him,) laugh ever since. We had a beautiful day at Phipp’s Conservatory and Botanical Garden’s; sunny, blue skies and a light breeze were the perfect setting for this truly epic wedding.

 

The day was relaxed, but absolutely buzzed with excitement as Nate and Jess did a first look atop Hotel Monaco (Rachel Rowland Photography). Two hours later and guests from near and far started arriving to the outdoor garden for the ceremony. With both of her parents by her side, Jess walked down the aisle to Nate (who had the biggest smile on his face when he saw his bride!)

To make the ceremony all the more personal, our officiant was the cousin and very close friend of Jess. Jess and Nate choose to recite their own vows, and there was not a dry eye in the house (wedding planner included!) The love, honor and appreciation that these two have for each other speaks volumes of their relationship as now husband and wife.

 

Right after their grand entrance, our bride and groom welcomed all guests onto the dance floor to immediately get the party started. Friends and family were overjoyed to share this moment with them! Countless intoxicating smiles and guests jumping with joy and excitement was an all-night occurrence.

Parents of the bride gave a beautiful speech, translated into English by Jess’s cousin. The very last line of their speech was spoken in English, “Congratulations Jessy and Nate, we love you both very much.” I truly mean it when I say that I have never felt so much love at a wedding in my entire life.

 

The personal touches didn’t stop there! Nate and his brothers, (ever-so-talented musicians), surprised Jess and wedding guests by joining the 9-piece band on stage to perform live. (Sneaking around with trumpets and saxophones is not easy, but we did it thanks to help from our friends in Elite Showband!)

The celebration never stopped–dancing lasted well into the evening and guests remained at the reception until the very last minute. Jess and Nate had the exact recipe for the most flawless and personal wedding ever: a perfect day, joy, excitement and so much love. Congrats again to Jess and Nate!

Blog post by Hello Event Coordinator, Christina McLachlan

 

Incorporating Animals into Your Wedding July 26, 2018

Animals can add such a unique element of fun to your special day! It’s hard not to crack a smile when you see llamas dressed in tuxedos headed in your direction. Whether you’re using your own furry friend or renting some special guests for your event, you’ll be sure to capture some special (and comical!) moments that you’ll cherish forever.

So, you’re sold on the idea but aren’t sure what animals to use or how to incorporate them into your wedding? Here are a few different options:

 

1.    Incorporating Exotic/Rental Animals

Incorporating animals into your wedding isn’t quite as crazy of an idea as it may seem at first. Traditionally, in Hindu or Sikh weddings, the groom will ride in on a decorated white horse or elephant. As these pictures show, it’s sure to capture your guests’ attention!

 

Although renting an elephant might be a bit of a challenge, renting horses, llamas, or doves for your event can be an easier, much more reasonable option.

There are plenty of companies around Pittsburgh that will rent out animals for weddings. For doves, PA Dovecote in Allison Park is one local option. They offer any number of doves ranging from two to twenty or thirty!  Or, if you prefer not to release the birds, a pair of love doves in a beautifully decorated cage will make for a great photo-op. You can also check out Memory Maker White Dove Releases or Doves of Love for more pricing options (links included at the end).

 

If you’re Looking for llamas or other farm animals, the businesses listed in the links below are a great starting point! And, of course, you can’t forget the Pittsburgh Zoo or National Aviary options. These venues allow your guests to visit just about any animal they could imagine – and the Aviary will even allow a special guest (penguin, parrot, owl, etc.) to appear at your event! For more information, check out http://www.pittsburghzoo.org/Wedding-Receptions or https://www.aviary.org/wedding.

 

2.    Incorporating Your Very Own Furry Friend(s)

Your pet is already such a huge part of your life – why not incorporate them into your special day? The moments captured with your furry best friend by your side will be memories that are sure to make you smile for years and years to come. Aside from capturing your guests’ attention (and receiving a ton of “aww’s!” as your pet walks down the aisle all dressed up!), including your pet on your wedding day adds a personal touch to an already special moment.

 

Of course, there are some factors to take into consideration before you make your pet an official guest and/or work them into the ceremony.

• It’s important to leave plenty of time to do a few runthroughs prior to the main event. Watching your pup run off in the other direction is funny the first few times, but when it’s your actual wedding ceremony you’re going to want him/her to make it from one end of the aisle to the other in a decent amount of time.
• Consider your dog’s personality. Do they like crowds? Are they comfortable receiving lots of attention for extended periods of time? Make sure you’re keeping your four-legged friend’s best interest at heart when you’re making these decisions.
• There are some logistics to work out before your wedding day. Remember:
  • You may have to train your pet
  • You’ll need to hire someone to care for them throughout the night and return them back home
  • You’ll need to communicate with your venue to make sure animals are welcome

However, don’t let these aspects deter you from including your pet. There are plenty of businesses that you can hire to care for your pet during your event, handling all of these logistics for you. For example, Pawfect Day (http://www.pawfectday.com/weddings/) will groom your pet, take care of bathroom breaks, play with them, and even return them back home after your event.

Whether you’re renting animals or using your own furry friend, your guests are sure to love this fun addition to your wedding day. As long as you take the time to make the right preparations, you’ll have an easy, unique aspect of your wedding that your guests will be talking about for years to come!

 

Links

Doves:

PA Dovecote – http://www.padovecote.com/weddings.html

Memory Maker White Dove Releases –  https://memorymakers.net/wedding-releases/

Doves of Love –  http://dovesoflove.net/

 

Farm Animals:

Wild World of Animals – (https://wildworldofanimals.org/our-work/parties-events)

Mywedding.com – search for “Pittsburgh horse and carriage rental” -(http://www.mywedding.com/find-vendor/pittsburgh-pa-us/horse-carriage-rental)

Entertainment Unlimited – (https://www.entertainmentunlimited.com/animal-acts/

 

 

Hello Summer! – Dusting Off Those Summer Color Pallets June 6, 2018

Having a hard time finding the perfect summer colors for your wedding? This post is for you! There are so many places to start when choosing your wedding colors. Inspiration can be drawn from just about anywhere or anything. But, most importantly, they should be a reflection of you and your awesome, unique style!  Whether you are inspired by a Pinterest photo, your venue’s theme, or the spring season in general, here are some perfect spring pallets to spark some creativity.

 

Purple, Slate Grey, and Metallics

Purple is a very popular color choice – and for good reason! There are countless shades of purple used throughout every season, but to go for the summertime look you should consider a lighter hue with a neutral accent color. Light purple shades create a whimsical, lighthearted feel that is sure to capture the cheerful summer energy.

Couple purple with slate grey and you can add a touch of elegance to your event as well. This relaxing, classic color will pair well with just about anything! Or, if you’re looking to add a little more glamour and sparkle to your event, consider incorporating metallic pallets. Metallics are sure to brighten up your event and signal to all your guests that you are ready to celebrate!

Summer Berry, Taupe/Beige, Green(ery)

This bright pop of color certainly isn’t lacking in the personality department! This color splash is fun, flirty, and pairs beautifully with neutral colors such as taupe or beige. The softer tone of the beige creates a subdued, peaceful look while remaining bright and cheerful, and is super versatile.

Looking to add a little more summer to your wedding? Consider adding in some greenery! Greenery is easily incorporated into any theme or venue, and immediately brings to mind the fresh flowers of the summer season.

Black, White, and Gold

Aiming to add a touch of an elegant, modern, and glamorous feel to your wedding? Black, white, and gold is definitely the way to go. This timeless look will fit any season and never goes out of style. The classic black and white adds a chic undertone to the venue, while the gold accents will keep things cheery and bright – creating a perfect energy for your summer event!

 

Whatever color combo you choose for your special day, make sure it shows off your own unique style. Your guests are there to celebrate you and will love any theme that you choose!

Hello Intern! Introducing Monica Hare May 22, 2018

Monica Hare is a student about to begin her senior year at the University of Pittsburgh and is pursuing a degree in Marketing. She is originally from Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, but has fallen in love with the city of Pittsburgh and plans to stick around after graduation. Aside from her studies, Monica is Treasurer of Pitt’s CHAARG chapter, which is a health and fitness club for college-aged women.

Monica first discovered her passion for event planning during her time as an event server for a local event planning company. Watching all the little details come together to create one spectacular event is one of the main reasons she loves this industry! The memories that are made at these events inspire her to make each client’s experience a truly unforgettable one.

In her free time, Monica loves to go for long runs in warm summer weather, read books, and practice yoga. She ran the half marathon in May and completes as many 5k’s as she can fit into one summer! Of all the things she’s looking forward to in this internship position, she is most excited to explore all the different venues that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Bridal Shower Games…Worth Sticking Around For April 7, 2018

Bridal Shower games not only allow your guests to participate, but they give the guests the chance to know the bride and others guests a little better. It’s also a fun opportunity to give away little gifts to your guests. Here are a few games that span from the traditional to the unique.

 

 

Anniversary Game
As each guest arrives, have them write down the date of their wedding anniversary (or birthday if they are not married). Whoever has an anniversary (or birthday) closest to the wedding date wins the door prize.

 

Variation: Ask everyone who is married to stand up. Then ask everyone who has been married: “1 year or less” to sit down. Continue with “5 years or less,” “10 years or less,” and so on until only one person is left standing. When you give this guest a door prize, ask what advice she has to give the bride for a long and happy marriage.

 

Hugs & Kisses (or Candy Matching) Game
Using index cards, write the names of candy on one half and “wedding” definitions on the other. Tape all the cards face down (so the words are hidden) to a board or wall. Each guest will get a chance to turn over two cards, one from each side. If it matches, they win the matching candy. If it doesn’t match, the flip the cards back over and the next guest goes. Customize the definitions with the candy you find.

 

Variation: Give each guest her own sheet to match the candy with the definitions. The guest with the most correct matches wins.

 

Some examples: Hershey’s Hugs (Warm Embraces); Lifesavers (Parents); 100 Grand (Reception); Butterfingers (First Date); Sweet Tarts (Bride and Groom).

 

Right Left Game
You can either play this with all your guests sitting in a circle or at each table of guests. Give one guest a gift (either in the large circle or at each table). Tell the guests to listen closely as you read a story and pass their gifts to the right whenever they hear the word “right” and pass the gift to the left when they hear the word “left.” Whoever is holding the gift at the end wins the gift. Read the story at a quick pace to challenge your guests and don’t worry if your guests don’t catch every right or left—they’ll still have lots of fun!

 

If you’re a bridesmaid or maid of honor reading this story, feel free to customize it ahead of time to fit the bride. Just make sure to include plenty of “lefts” and “rights!”

 

(Bride’s name) knew right away that she had found Mr. RIGHT and the RIGHT date was set. Now seemed to be the RIGHT time to start so she LEFT RIGHT after lunch and went RIGHT to her mother’s house. She knew she needed to get started RIGHT away to make sure nothing was LEFT undone.

 

There was little time LEFT to spare and so much LEFT to do. She asked her mother to write down an address list and she LEFT to find the RIGHT invitations. On her way, she LEFT a message at the florist and then RIGHT to the bridal shop she ran.

 

RIGHT in the window was the perfect dress. Oh no, I LEFT my checkbook RIGHT in the car. Hold that dress, I’ll be RIGHT back. With that done, she called Mr. RIGHT and LEFT him a message to call her RIGHT back. She LEFT to meet the florist who had LEFT her a message that they had the RIGHT flowers for her.

 

Mr. RIGHT called her RIGHT back and said he LEFT a message for the preacher to call him RIGHT back and that he had just LEFT work and would be RIGHT over.

 

She LEFT the florist and ran RIGHT over to meet Mr RIGHT. RIGHT away they discussed what was LEFT to do. Who would be the RIGHT best man? She LEFT that up to Mr RIGHT. I’ll get the RIGHT maid of Honor.

 

RIGHT away they started shopping for the RIGHT rings. With that done, the next stop was to order the RIGHT cake. Mr. RIGHT could clearly see his future, Mrs. RIGHT, was on the right track.

 

After a long day, all that was LEFT to do was get RIGHT home to see if any messages were LEFT while they were out. “Let’s call it a day”. “Whatever is LEFT to do, can be LEFT until tomorrow. With a kiss, he LEFT and she went RIGHT to bed.

 

Bridal Bingo
Make “bingo cards” for all your guests with 25 empty spaces (5 across, 5 down). Ask guests to write gifts in each square that they think the bride-to-be will receive. As the bride opens her presents, have the guests cross off any presents she receives that are on their cards. As soon as someone has 5 in a row (diagonal counts), shout “Bingo!”

 

Guessing Game
Find a cute jar and fill with colorful candy or something that matches the shower’s theme. Seal it up and pass it around to the guests. Give each guest a note card to write their name and the number of pieces they think are inside. Whoever is closest, wins. You can also put smaller versions of this game on each table, as part of the centerpiece, allowing there to be a winner at each table.

 

Advice for Marriage, Love & Life Game
Pass out note cards to all the guests and ask them to write advice for the bride. All the note cards are collected and the bride can read each one out loud. You can have her try to guess who wrote each comment, or just hold onto them as a keepsake.

 

Purse Search Game
Create a list of things most guests might have in their purses and assign points to each thing. Whoever has the most points at the end of the game, wins. Some examples: lipstick (4 points), calculator (8 points), pen (2 points), photo of others (4 points), photo of yourself (8 points), etc.

 

Get to Know the Groom Game
Have someone contact the groom prior to the shower and ask him a list of questions about himself and his bride-to-be. Ask him to keep it as a secret so the bride doesn’t know ahead of time. Write out the questions on the front of note cards and his answer on the back. At the shower, have guests read the questions to the bride and see if she can match the groom’s answer.

 

Some examples: “What’s the groom’s favorite food?”, “Where did you go on your first date?” or “If the groom could have any superpower, which one would he pick?”

 

No matter what you decide to include in your shower, you and your guests are bound to have fun!

Winter-Styled Wonderland January 26, 2018

Executing this winter-styled shoot, designed by Natasha Learn – Hello Productions and photographed by Jessica Husted Photography, was like a dream. Arriving to a quaint Quincy Cellars to find snow beautifully lain throughout the vineyards was almost breathtaking. The venue was like a blank canvas, eager to bring the vision of this winter, bohemian-styled shoot to life. I watched in awe of the collaboration between the inventive minds of each of the vendors, as Quincy Cellars was transformed into a winter wonderland.

Elegant floral designs by Timberland Floral and Gifts, displayed a vibrant, wintry color palette, which completely captured the aesthetic for this trendy, winter-styled shoot. The stunning gown by Bridal Elegance of Erie PA, decorated with delicate lace and beading, fit perfectly into the magic of this dream wedding. The cake, made by Confections of a Cake Lover, was lovely. The earthy-tones complimented that of the floral arrangements. The intricate details, from the metal signage created by Phoenix Laser Solutions, to the custom invitation suite by Studio W. Designs, and the exquisite glassware, linens and more from Event Source Rentals, were key finishing touches to the masterpiece.

Once the venue was converted from winery to the bohemian-chic wedding, we were transformed from busy-bees to a bridal party by Makeup by Kate and Cathy’s Beauty Salon. Kate worked her cosmetic magic, and she was able to create a look that was simple yet glamorous. Pulling out the soft and natural tones to compliment the velvet bridesmaid dresses and lush greenery, Kate knew exactly how and what to accentuate to pull the whole look together. And with a dash of hairspray, our vision had been brought to life. Ready for our close-ups, it was time for Jessica Husted Photography to shine. With her expertise and contagious personality, she was able to bring out the most photogenic moments and capture them in remarkable ways. Each photograph is a journey into the dream that was this winter-styled wonderland.

Blog by Hello Productions Intern: Miah Dunkleberger

 

 

The Late-Night Bite Food Truck December 13, 2017

A wedding day can be quite tiresome for your guests. After a whole day filled with bubbly conversation, shuttle services, amazing dance moves, and of course love, your guests may need a delicious ‘pick-me-up’… We introduce: The Late-Night Bite Food Truck!

(Photo courtesy of Acqua Photo)

 

In the later portion of your reception, consider booking a late-night bite for your guests. Something to soak up your signature cocktail or even fill them up so they can stay on the dance floor! Late-night bites can vary from tacos to ice cream. Nothing says, ‘don’t stop the party’ like comfort food!

 

We’ve curated a list of our favorite classic and creative late-night bite ideas for all your ‘midnight’ snacking needs:

 

Tacos

(Photo courtesy of Mexicalbi)

 

Mac & Cheese

(Photos courtesy of Alison Mish Photography)

 

Grilled Cheese

(Photo courtesy of Zac Wolf Photography)

 

We also love when couples share their sweet tooth with their guests by bringing them some sweet treats!

 

Donuts

(Photo courtesy of Abby Jiu)

 

Ice Cream

(Photo courtesy of Vintage and Lace)

 

After all, your wedding guests come first. What better way to keep them happy than to keep them full!

Blog by Hello Productions Intern: Molly Mitchell

Ditch the favors… and bring on the Swag! October 16, 2017

Chocolate, bubbles, candles, and even butter spreaders… the list doesn’t stop there! Way too often, couples spend tons of cash on wedding favors that are either eaten on the spot or stashed in a drawer. We would like to introduce to you “The Swag Bag.” Filled with useful and fun accoutrements, this welcome bag can include a variety of items to make your guests feel right at home as they travel for your big day!

Start simple… select your carrier.

• To stay basic and budget-friendly, go with a kraft paper gift bag. Each bag is less than $0.10 when bought in bulk. You can add ribbon, custom calligraphy, or a fun label to go with your wedding theme.
• Keep it Green with a reusable tote! A bit pricier at $3 a tote, guests can reuse so it’s worth the fee. Go wild on Etsy with custom printed totes for around $6 a tote.
• Above and beyond… enter the wooden box! This small token will surely wow your guests. Wrapped in a silk bow, it is the perfect sentiment for your friends and family. These little guys start at $7 a box.

Now… let’s fill it with awesome goodies!

• Stay hydrated! Your guests are just arriving from a long day of travel. Bottled water is key (or a sports drink for an extra boost!) If you want to upgrade, pack a mini bottle of champagne!
• Snack attack! Light treats are perfect for guests staying in a hotel. From an apple to peanut butter crackers, a small assortment will save them from getting ‘hangry.’
• Get minty! This is for the wedding day. Mints and gum are lifesavers for guests to slip in their pockets… or beautifully beaded clutch.
• Custom touch! Incorporate maps and trinkets from your hometown so guests learn a little more about the bride & groom. Popcorn from your first movie date. Your favorite candy bars. The latest issue of your city’s tourist magazine.
• Where to go and what to do! Add a weekend itinerary for your guests. Not only should you include the ceremony and reception times/locations, but guests will appreciate a list of local museums, coffee shops, and things to do around the city!

 

Two Hello Couple Swag bags!

Jessica & Phil – J&P’s guest list was made up of mostly out-of-towners. Introducing everyone to The Burgh, they included a postcard of their fine city as well as the native language… ‘Pittsburgh-ese. They also included the famous Clark Bar, apples and oranges for breakfast, and a bottle of bubbly!

Lauren & Reid – To show off their Harvard pride, L&R included #crimwin koozies, Capecod Chips and personalized bottle openers. The groom, from Texas, incorporated his favorite Lonestar brew while the Burgh bride added a mini Smiley Cookie from Pittsburgh’s own Eat’n Park. Guests loved the goodies, which were all wrapped up in a custom calligraphy gift bag!

Your guests will thank you for welcoming them with such wonderful goodies to enjoy. Swag Bags range from $8-20 per bag. Whether you keep it basic or go above and beyond, it is a great touch that will always be appreciated.

Blog by Hello Productions Intern: Caylyn Oliver

 

Our 5 Favorite “Getting Ready” Photos September 25, 2017

***Photos courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography, Joey Kennedy Photography, and Dawn Derbyshire Photography

 

Some of the most precious moments happen while you and your bridal party are getting ready for your wedding day. Here are our 5 favorite photo moments to capture on the morning of your special day!

 

1)   Accessories, please!

Considering the time and energy you’ve put into selecting the perfect accessories for your big day, it only makes sense to photograph them! We love photos of the bride’s jewelry, shoes, nails, and even the garter!

 

For an elegant backdrop in your jewelry photos, bring a decorative tray with you! This monogrammed jewelry tray available on Etsy is perfect. https://www.etsy.com/listing/506143131/monogrammed-acrylic-tray-jewelry-dish?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=jewelry%20tray&ref=sc_gallery_1&plkey=6fe41db62fb87725b4c7f834714e98b320ffcc02:506143131

 

 

2)    Pop… Fizz… Clink!

Enjoy some time with your bridesmaids by popping mini bottles of champagne in cute matching satin robes or even PJ’s! Trust us, the photos will be adorable.

 

 

3)    The DRESS

Your dress deserves a spotlight of its own – at least for a minute! For photos of your dress, be sure to have a large window or another well-lit backdrop.

 

Pro Tip! Buy a customized wooden hanger for polished photos of your exceptional gown. This customized hanger (available on Etsy) is chic and classic. https://www.etsy.com/listing/111274165/wedding-hanger-bridal-hanger-with-date?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=customized%20gown%20hanger&ref=sr_gallery_1

 

4)    Strike a Pose

Recreating some of your “getting ready” moments for your photographer can make for the most precious photos. While you are putting on your dress or fastening your necklace, take a minute to pose!

 

Wedding, Editorial, Commercial photographer

Pro Tip! Schedule your photographer’s arrival to coincide with the start of your eye makeup. Capturing your base makeup isn’t too exciting.

 

5)    Guaranteed Tear-Jerkers

Who doesn’t gush over a photo of a father helping his son tie his tie on his wedding day?  Or a photo of the flower girl gazing up at the bride and her dress? Here are some of our favorite gushy getting ready moments: