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.

Original post continued:
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

Engaged: Lauren and Chris

Meet Lauren and Chris! 

This beautiful couple will tie the knot this summer. Enjoy getting to know them a little bit better and their stunning engagement photos by Christine Bonnivier Photography. I love the sun soaked images she captured for them! 

How did the two of you meet and how long have you been together?

Chris and I met at Drury University during a greek life event. It was my freshman year and his sophomore year. I had just joined Delta Delta Delta and barely knew anyone. Both of us, being sort of shy, made our way to the sidelines and struck up a random conversation about his shoes. The conversation ended with him asking if I liked spaghetti. I said absolutely, I love Italian food. And then he asked if I could make it for him and that led for our first date. (I had my mom make the sauce beforehand, because I am a terrible cook and I really wanted to impress him). 

Tell us about one of your favorite dates!

My favorite date was one of our first. I have always had an obsession with Christmas lights. One day he asked if I would like to go out to dinner with him and I said of course. While on our way to the supposed dinner he said, “oh wait I forgot to get something at the fraternity house, would you mind coming in with me for a moment.” So we walk up to the steps and one of his brothers opens the door wearing a full-on-butler-style suit. I could definitely tell something was up at this point. So his brother tells us to follow him and he opens the door to their formal room-inside is a complete winter wonderland. All the walls are covered in Christmas lights with ivory sheets draped from ceiling to the floor, fake snow covered the ground, Frank Sinatra music gently playing in the background and in the center was a single table set for the two of us. We then spent the rest of the evening being served food (which he prepared earlier) by various pledges wearing tuxedo t-shirts. After the dinner was served (my favorite cheesecake) we danced and tracked fake snow through the rest of the house. 

When did you know it was the real thing?

I never really knew when it became the real thing. It wasn’t a singular incident that let me know he was the one, it’s just been day after day of little surprises and comfort and I grew to feel that I knew that he was the one. 

Was the proposal a surprise? How did it happen?

The proposal was after our 5 year anniversary we had went out to a fancy sushi dinner and then walked around a winter wonderland ( I really like Christmas lights if you can’t tell). According to the mayans it was the day the world was supposed to end 12-21-12. Then he plopped down on one knee and said that he wanted to spend the rest of his life no matter how short or long that may be with me. Then he asked if I would marry him. 

How do you envision your wedding day?

Throughout our relationship we have always had loads of fun and liveliness. I want my wedding to capture that spirit. We want our full-of-life energy to radiate for the entire night and share that with the ones we care for. 

Are there any fun family traditions or special details that you are planning to incorporate?

My parents have had a wonderful, happy marriage and I would like to pay homage to that. On my bouquet I will have a small charm that has a picture of them on their wedding day. Chris and I have never been big fans of wedding cake, we will be serving fresh apple-pie with ice cream instead.

Lauren, what are you most looking forward to on your big day?

I can’t wait to have all of my family (new and old) all in one place celebrating together

Chris, what are you most looking forward to on the big day?

Seeing her walk down the aisle. 

Lauren and Chris, we can't wait to celebrate with you this summer! 

Photos by Christine Bonnivier Photography.

Budget Breakdown: Bridesmaid Dresses

Alright ladies, it’s time to talk about bridesmaid dresses! The great thing about bridesmaid dresses is that they have evolved throughout the years into being a dress that you actually DO like wearing. However, it can get tricky when it comes to the budget. Bridesmaid dresses come in all shapes and sizes, and also all sorts of prices. Obviously many things can raise the cost of a dress like the material, construction difficulty, and even the brand. We have chosen three popular styles, and listed an appropriate dress in three different price points, ranging from around $75 and under to $200. We want you to find the best dress with the best price, so let's get started!

The blush chiffon floor length gown:
Flowy, romantic, and right on trend.

Under $75

This is a "Satin Strapless Maxi" bridesmaid dress found at Target online. It is priced at $55 and comes in a variety of colors. Target carries quite a few options for bridesmaid dresses and are all very reasonably priced.

$100-$150

This "Long Strapless Chiffon Dress" with pleated bodice is found at David’s Bridal. This dress is priced at $149. Chiffon is sheer and lightweight and it is an ideal choice for an outdoor wedding. Chiffon is a very popular bridesmaid fabric!

$200+

This is a "Rosette Chiffon Blouson Dress" by Adrianna Papell which can be found at Nordstroms for $185.  It has a decadently ruffled rosettes across one shoulder with a scooped back.


The Emerald Green Statement Dress:
Bold, fashion forward, and looks great on any skin tone. 

Under $75

This is a Scarlett Lace-Sleeve Mock-Wrap Dress that can be found at JCPenney’s for only $40.  The nice touch to this dress is the peek-a-boo back and the lovely lace sleeves.

$100-$150

This dress was found on The Dessy Group website, but it can also be ordered at Ella Weiss Wedding Design here in town.  The dress price range is around $134.  This satin sleeveless dress has a nice surprise in the back with the cute bow on the lower back.

$200

This is a dress by Alfred Sung, and it can be found on Weddingtonway.com, a very popular bridesmaid dress website.  It has the lovely sweetheart neckline and the material is Peau de Soie, a heavyweight satin mainly used on high-end gowns. The cost ranges around $150. It is similar to the last dress in looks, but the material makes the major difference!

The Mint Green, Unique Neckline:
From one shoulder to a strappy finish, the color and cut are huge right now!

Under $75

Another color that Target carries is mint, a very popular color for the upcoming 2014 wedding season.  This is a "Women’s Halter Neck Chiffon Dress" and it goes for $69.99.  The material is Chiffon with a polyester lining, and it is available in other colors as well.

$100-$150

The next dress can be found at David’s Bridal, and it comes in a variety of colors as well.  This fresh and flattering dress is made from chiffon and it has beaded straps all for the price of $149. We love the tie at the waist - so flattering! 

$200

Lastly we have another dress from Nordstrom's.  The "Embellished Neck Layered Chiffon Fit & Flare" dress by Eliza J is priced at $198.  The beautiful beaded neckline is is a nice eye catcher and the layers really help it flow. Can't you just see it paired with a bright and beautiful bouquet?!

I hope this post has made you aware of the fact that bridesmaid dresses shouldn't put a damper to your budget or your style. You can find a gown at a discounted price, just be willing to search a little. As a side note, keep in mind if you are ordering online, there is a good chance you might need to add alterations to the budget. I hope this post has enlightened you about the fact that there are affordable bridesmaid dresses for every budget!

-Rochelle ;)



Engaged: Sarah and David

Meet Sarah and David!

This lovely couple will be saying their vows this coming June! We have lots of fun projects in the works for their wedding, so stay tuned!

How did the two of you meet and how long have you been together?

We first met in our chemistry class we were taking at OTC. David had just moved up from Arkansas, and I (Sarah) had just moved up from Louisiana {hints the Arkansas vs LSU rivalry}. It sounds cliché to have met in chemistry class, but that’s where it all happened. Now we have been together going on 5 years.

When did you know it was the real thing?

When we realized that we didn’t want to live life without each other. There is a point in a relationship that you “just know” it’s the person you are supposed to spend the rest of your life with and after you have that moment it just seems like all the pieces fit together.

Tell us about one of your favorite dates!

Our favorite date, well that’s a tough one! There have been so many in the past 5 years. I don’t think we have a favorite date, but we definitely share favorite memories. Times like getting together with David’s family and getting to know and love David’s grandfather “Papa”. Other times would be all the hilarious road trips we have taken to see my (Sarah) family down in Louisiana where David got to meet and spend time with my deep, southern family, all the while watching his eyes water from the spicy cajun food (which he now loves!). Another time we both love and hold dear to our hearts was when we would take our dogs, Chloe and Dozer, out to David’s families’ cabin in Arkansas where there were no distractions from the hustle and bustle of life and where we could just relax, unwind, get lost, and enjoy our little family out in the middle of nowhere.

Was the proposal a surprise? How did it happen?

It was the best surprise ever! There’s a video floating around of the event, too! We were on a ski trip in Colorado with David’s family for spring break. We were all getting ready that next morning for our first ski day when there was a knock at the door. Since everyone insisted I answer the door, I got up and opened the door to see my daddy standing there (who flew all the way from Louisiana to Colorado to spend this moment with me). I was shocked and immediately started bawling because it had been so long since I had seen him and there he was just standing in front of me! After repeatedly hugging and questioning my dad as to why he was there (which he never gave me a straight answer in the moment) I turned around to see David on one knee holding a ring and asking me if I would marry him! It should be noted that David was on his knee for a while and I even looked back at him and his family repeatedly before it registered what was going on and why he was on kneeling on the floor! It was so special to share this moment with his family and especially my Dad who flew in for one day to be there for when it happened.  

How do you envision your wedding day?

I envision it being one of the happiest days of our lives. We can’t wait to celebrate with our family and friends and for it to be an unforgettable wedding. I have no doubts that with the help from our moms and Abby that it will go off without a hitch. So thankful to have Abby who has been there every step of the way with the planning and preparation of everything with the wedding. She always keeps me on track and focused with what needs to be done….and maybe just reminds a few more times when I forget to do things :). June 21^st can’t come soon enough!

Sarah, what are you most looking forward to on your big day?

I am looking forward to putting on my wedding dress and for David to see me for the first time! I am going to attempt NOT to cry going down the aisle, but it will most likely happen. I know he will look so handsome in his suit and I cannot wait to share that moment with him as we stand there in front of everyone and promise our commitment to each other. I am so lucky God placed such a wonderful man in my life and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with him. Having our family and friends there to witness is a huge deal, especially since most are traveling many miles to make it there that day. I cannot wait to marry my best friend and celebrate with everyone after!

David, what are you most looking forward to on the big day?

I’m looking forward to celebrating with family and friends and to the beginning of Sarah and I life’s together. I can’t wait to be surrounded by our loved one’s who have come from all over to share this special moment with us. I CANNOT even imagine how perfect Sarah is going to look (not that she doesn’t look perfect already) as she walks down the aisle. I am looking forward to making the commitment to protect, honor, and cherish her for the rest of my life. Most of all I am looking forward to sharing my last name and growing old with the most amazing person God has blessed me with. 

Sarah, I love you, but GO RAZORBACKS!! Wooooo Pig Sooie!

What are we both looking forward to?
ALL OF THE ABOVE. Only God knows what the future holds and what’s planned for us. All we know is that we are in this together and we look forward to sharing all that this life has to offer with each other.