Behind the Scenes: Custom Invites

We do lots of paper product work for our clients, but these invitations for Megan and Tyler were a little more crafty than graphic design-y. We loved coming up with a plan, choosing paper samples, and presenting her with her final product! Enjoy a behind the scenes look at her invites being put together! 

Behind the Scenes: Reception Layouts

Hi friends! Y'all love learning more about layouts! This post has been the most popular one we've had by far in the last 8 years. 

Our business has rebranded from Abby Mitchell Events to Hired Hostess Event Co. and we actually offer a stand alone package to create an event layout for any venue in any location. Feel free to peruse   our current website here or just send me an email at abby@hiredhostess.com for more info.

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Oh man are layouts important! From someone who LOVES a good game-plan, I can barely function without having a layout of an event space. It is what I start each event with.

Here is a behind the scenes look at how we create a layout to coordinate with a wedding design and how we use them to communicate with venues, vendors, and our lovely brides! We start with a layout for each event for many reasons. The main reasons are to see what is possible in the space and what the best locations are for items to create a good flow. It is all about maximizing space. 

We often run into difficult space issues; having a layout is crucial to use to overcome the dilemma. For example, columns are tricky! These couple of layouts helped us know how to strategically place tables to fit the most guests in the space. The final results are possible because of the ability to create a game-plan with a layout!

We also use layouts to help with our design plan. Once we know what will fit in the space, we can assign table numbers and make sure our different centerpiece designs are accurately dispersed. These next two are color coded to help determine centerpiece locations and quantities.

This reception had some complicated centerpieces, so we labeled each table for the florist to know what was what. You can see the differences in the photos below. 

 The final two depict the different linen colors to be used for the rental vendors. For example, lilac on rectangle tables and violet on rounds. And then below, black on all service tables and grey on guest tables.

If you need help with a layout for your event, or have any other planning questions, please feel free to give us a shout! info@abbymitchellevents.com

Happy planning! - Abby

Behind the Scenes Wedding: Mandy and Ian

You might remember Mandy and Ian's fun and spunky relationship from their previous "Getting to know you" post. They are so full of life and adventure. Mandy is from Germany and there were lots of German traditions incorporated in the wedding. 

The big day took place at The Round Barn with a ceremony outside and the reception inside. It was a beautiful sunny day and guests were in great spirits as they danced the night away thanks to Brookline Station - the awesome band. 

Mandy and her beautiful maids all in their own color dress. 

Flowers were yellows, creams, and sprigs of lavender. The archway in the barn that served as their ceremony backdrop was hung with purple floral vines as well. 

Ceremony set up. 

Funny moment: right as we set up this seating arrangement sign it knocked over the tiered stand holding all the programs and we had to chase them down in the wind and set the whole thing back up... with the help of some heavy rocks the second time haha!

Guests tossed dried flower petals at the couple as they made their way back down the isle. 

A very Eco friendly couple, all the dining sets were earth friendly and made from recycled materials. 

Instead of table numbers guests were assigned to tables named after animals :) 

Brookline Station doing their thing! 

I love this picture of Mandy! This is just after their first German tradition of sawing a log in half together :) 

On to the next one! The wedding party breaks porcelain objects and then the couple has to clean them up. It demonstrates them being able to work together. 

We had some fun in the photobooth from Eventful Rentals! Lynlee's Jamaican hat is killing me haha!!! They also brought a light up bar for the night! 

Congrats to the happy couple! You two were so much fun!! 

Behind the Scenes Wedding: Alicia and Ty

Alicia and Ty's wedding day was definitely one for the record books! From lots of scattered thunderstorms and chances of even more downpours, we were on our toes all day! 

The couple was married at Alicia's parents' house in Ozark, Missouri. They had a lovely ceremony on the main lawn, a cocktail hour indoors, and some dinner and dancing outside in a beautiful cove of mature trees. 

While the original plan was to have everything outside, time was slipping away and we decided to move cocktail hour indoors so that we could have at least one area set up completely. The entire day was a big family affair and there were so many loved ones there to lend a helping hand. The couple was truly loved and celebrated all day long. 

Coming from Springfield early that morning I knew it was going to be a long day for Alicia especially with thunder booming and rain POURING in town. Starbucks usually always helps to calm down a worried bride :) Low and behold when we arrived at her house, south of town, it hadn't started raining yet! 

This was our first go around of setting up linens and tables... the rain started and we grabbed as much as we could and ran inside to wait it out! 

The chaos didn't allow for as many set up photos, but here is the ceremony taking place OUTSIDE! 

While the ceremony was taking place, we were scrambling to make sure the cocktail hour was ready to go, and then that the dessert table and place setting designs were complete. So many things had to be left till the last minute in case of rain. 

Lovely place settings. 

Linens, glassware, silverware, chargers, and dishes all from SBbon!

Alicia decided on three different sized flower arrangements to space out around the large U-shaped table. Arrangements by The Nest. 

The lights and candles on the tables made this SUCH a romantic night. 

While family members made most of the delicious desserts, AmyCakes made the pale pink wedding cake. That poor thing went through a LOT and didn't sweat, or swell hardly at all! 

Ty's brother-in-law served as an usher, the DJ, and the pig parent :) Meet his adorable pet! 

Parisian water jugs doubled as table numbers spaced throughout the table and guests enjoyed seasoned breadsticks in sacks printed with the menu. 

Intern, Lynlee, making some final touches! 

Twin Town Studios capturing some gorgeous, woodsy shots of the wedding party! We can't wait to see their work! 

The happy couple enjoying dinner from The Aviary during sunset. 

Alicia's father Jim, an architect, designed and built the dance floor. Here she is dancing with Ty and then her dad :) 

The party stayed popping till ten o'clock sharp when the rain finally broke through. Guests hurried to line the pathway with sparklers and Ty and Alicia took off in a rolls royce from Fisk Limo! 

Overall, a beautiful night and a beautiful couple! Congrats to Alicia and Ty!