Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Children's Parties

As I begin writing this blog post I am in the midst of prepping for my son’s 7th birthday party. I spent my day off cutting out 75 circles for the custom monogram I created and the number 7 cupcake picks and water bottle keepsakes. Earlier in the day I sat in front of my sewing machine making 30 + soccer ball shaped goody bags, and I realized I was the only one awake at this late hour. I thought to myself, why the heck am I going through all this trouble? Is he even going to remember these details that have started to overtake my every waking thought? This nagging voice creeps into my head…have kids' birthday celebrations gotten too over the top?


Are we putting to much pressure on ourselves to plan, host, and execute the perfect birthday party ?Are there resources out there that can aide us in this inevitable path that today’s parties are leading us poor parents down…YES !

Many people may cringe at the idea of hiring an event planner to aide in the prep for a child’s birthday. These birthday parties that seem too impossible for you to take on or afford are actually a lot closer to being your reality than you think. In a day and age where both parents work outside the home, and kids extracurricular activities have turned into a parent’s 2nd or 3rd job, you have to ask yourself what is your time worth? Wouldn’t it be much more special for you to take part in your child’s celebration then worrying about the clown showing up or where the candles for the cake got placed? These are the simple tasks we as planners take on – from finding the perfect venue to stuffing goody bags and ordering the cake and making sure it makes it to your location with candles included. We take a theme that you have and create those little magical details that make your child’s day special and memorable for them and for you. How many birthday pictures do you have that include everyone BUT you-? As parents we want to do it all but sometimes doing it all means asking or hiring help.

Over the years I found myself planning elaborate parties for my family & friends. As I began my journey into the event planning business, I have had the honour of helping our clients plan and execute grand parties for their children. From turning the Sheratons, Top of the Inn into a 13year olds dream “Dance and Arcade Extravaganza” to bringing the “Cars Speedway” to a four year olds living room. We have helped bring the “Pirates Treasures” to life in honour of a special 3yr old Scallywag, and turn a 6yr olds “Princess Dreams” into a reality. At each of these events many of the parents of the guests say “can we hire you” not realizing that this is exactly what they can do! Many people out there think that event planners are strictly “Wedding Planners” and though we love our weddings, the possibilities are endless to the events we can bring to life.

In our house we made the family rule that the kids either get a present or a party. My daughter, who was turning 4 at the time, chose to have a party. Like her mother she really enjoys a good party and based on the fact that each year she talks about her next birthday party every single day I’m pretty sure that she will make the same choice for the next few years. At two, my 2nd daughter can't yet communicate that decision herself so I make the choice for her. I choose to have a party because I'm quite positive that when she's older she isn't going to remember if I got her a new toy, but she is going to look back at the pictures of her party and see how much love I poured into it. That is my gift to her.

So I hope to see you at your child’s birthday, relaxing and enjoying another year’s milestone. You can sit back with your child, eat cake and watch as they take in the amazement of what has been created for them, by you with a little help from RSVP.
















Thursday, April 7, 2011

RSVP Event Design Star Awards Winner

Over a week ago, Crystal Anderson, Director of Weddings and myself, Tammy Forrester, Director of Corporate Events headed to Toronto, ON to participate in the Canadian Special Events Conference and Trade Show as an award nominee for a wedding planned by Crystal Anderson in July 2010. It was exciting to think we were in the presence of companies from across Canada all specializing in event planning, design and décor work. As expected, the creative work implemented by so many companies in Canada was inspiring to see.


At the Awards Gala, there were over 30 different categories of event excellence being awarded that night with over 125 firms recognized. Firms from British Columbia to Nova Scotia to the Northwest Territories, all offering a variety of services and décor products to enhance their clients’ event needs. How thrilling – to be seated amongst some of Canada’s top event planning companies and professionals.

The evening was spectacular, the entertainment was wonderful and the night, for us, was unforgettable. After 6+ years in the industry of event planning, design and décor, RSVP Event Design walked away with their first award, ever! The most thrilling part for me was that we were in the presence of other professionals that all understand the heart and soul that we all put into each event we plan, each time. From smaller dinner parties to elaborate corporate events to extravagant weddings, we put ourselves into our clients’ shoes and work on creating events that will truly exceed their expectations. Not always do we hit the mark, but the heart that goes into trying to make each clients’ event truly special is always real!

I love what I do and I love why I do it! As the founder of the company, this magical night reminded me why RSVP Event Design exists and why we continue to help our clients dream beyond their greatest expectations and why we make those dreams reality!