IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS!

While grabbing a free moment away from her new baby girl, Kim McDowell of The Event Essentials sat down with me poolside to share some event wisdom and delicious margaritas (on the rocks, of course). Kim is an expert graphic designer with a great perspective on how to use the smallest of details to make the BIGGEST statement.  She brought me some insight to the delicate balance of creating memorable details for your upcoming wedding or event. Since Sensational Events produces weddings and events our world revolves around details and creating a WOW factor, so having a trusted vendor like Kim is essential to making an event be picture perfect.

Details by Kim McDowell, the Event Essentials

A: HOW IMPORTANT ARE CREATING THE DETAILS?

K: Details define a couple’s personality and set their celebration apart from others just the way they do in your home. It’s the little things that show your unique taste and style and shares with your guests a little piece of who you are. First your guests are greeted with an invitation, which should be your red carpet piece for what is best yet to come. Then they walk into your event and have a first initial “wow” factor.  From then on, it’s the small details that they will begin to pay attention to as the night progresses. The sweet favors on your table with a personalized favor tag, monogram napkins at the bar with your specialty signature cocktail, glitzy brooches on your cake that match the ones on your bridesmaids bouquets, and so on.

A: DO GUESTS REALLY REMEMBER THE DETAILS?

K: Absolutely!!  When they are unique and special to the couple, they make an impression for sure! Everyone loves surprises and the little details are these little surprises throughout your celebration. Think outside of the box and what is important to you. Don’t do something just because others have done it. Do it because you know it will make you happy when your guests see little bits and pieces of you.

Details by Sensational Events; Photos courtesy of ILLume Photography

A: WHEN IS ENOUGH – ENOUGH?

K: Don’t overdo it!  Details are important, but that doesn’t mean that you need to do hundreds of things and overwhelm yourself.  Because when you are overwhelmed, so are your guests!

A: OH NO!!! THIS LOOKS LIKE A MISH MOSH! QUICK FIX?

K: Please TRY and avoid these common mistakes when coordinating your wedding details. Trying to do every craft thing you see out there in magazines and blogs just doesn’t work. There are THOUSANDS of fantastic ideas around every corner you turn. But that doesn’t mean you have to do them all. You want to pick and choose a few different ideas and make sure they run cohesive throughout your entire event.

A: SO MANY OPTIONS! WHAT THE BEST WAY TO PLAN?

K: Choose a theme or style to your event and save all of your ideas in a folder.  Then choose 5 – 7 fantastic ideas and split them up through each different sections of your event.  Start with your invitation set the tone, than do one or two sweet things for your ceremony, one for cocktail hour, and 2 or 3 pieces for your reception.

Details by Sensational Events; Photos courtesy of Cheswick Photography

A: WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE ON DETAIL DESIGN?

K: Remember that a wedding is the celebration of your unity as a couple.  Your details should be the priority where people will notice it the most but never over play you as a couple.  Put your details where you take the most pictures. That way you will see them for years to come and they won’t go unnoticed.  For example, if you design a nice monogram aisle runner for your ceremony, make sure the monogram is at the head of the aisle where you unite your vows and take picture with the family after the ceremony. The head or sweetheart table and cake table are great place to incorporate your details. Also, don’t forget the spots where your guests spend the most time like their dinner seat or in the restroom. These are great places to add rhinestones to menu cards, favors with sweet favor tags, or a nice basket of necessities.