The ballroom was decked out in yellows and oranges, the colors associated with the non-profit organization, and the beautiful Asian inspired centerpieces were created by Doyle at My Flower Guy. We knew we had little in the budget for "fancy" linens so we paid close attention to lighting and threw patterns across the tables to create warmth and texture. It is also important to leverage your relationships with your vendor partners to pull rabbits out of a hat! 
To close the reception, guests were alerted to the ballroom doors opening with a Dhol drummer leading the way... What other way than to have drums announce a change in pace - in celebrating the organization - Asia Society - we used two different types of drums - an Indian Dhol Drummer and Japanese Taiko Drummers. For those stragglers that wanted to linger in the reception and not find their way into the main event space, we "politely" moved them along when the Japanese Taiko drummers began. It was actually great because as people started to find their seats we could hear the drummers, but it was not overpowering. 
They also set the stage for the rest of the program which included a panel presentation on the Economic Outlook of Asia.
We branded the event using their "Leo" as an accent through out the event from the chocolate chips on everyone's dessert to almost all event signage and gobos! It was an easy way to tie all of the elements together. A lot of bang for the buck!
We were thrilled to see Billy Zane supporting the event and it's cause. Joella and Jennifer got a quick moment to take a shot with him!
Thanks to Jorge of J & M Entertainment Event Production (pictured above), Chivari Chair Rentals, Luminaire images, and all of our team members who collaborated to make this such a successful event! 
2. Let's get to know each other. You, your client and I. Let's all take a look at each other's websites, check out past events, portfolios, get a feel for who each other are, what we do and what we love. 
3. Please understand that we can not just do "less" of a particular design to bring down the budget. We can create something for you within your budget but asking for a $200 version of a $600 design just doesn't really work. 
4. Speaking of budget, what is it? It shouldn't be a secret. A talented designer can create the look and feel the client wants in a range of budgets. We've all had those moments where we tell the client about something, or show it to them and then watch them nearly keel over when they find out how much it costs. Now, they're disappointed and feel like they can't have the very best, which simply isn't true. That's why we generally work this way: tell us about the look, the feel, the overall vision...tell us about the dream. Then tell us what we have to work with. Then let us do what we do. We will create something that says just the right thing with just the right budget. 
Thank you for reading Eddie's Guest Blog... Hope you enjoyed it! Stay tuned for Molly Ann from Luminaire Images as next month's Guest Blogger. 
1) We often describe many of our events as “residential.” We love to design comfortable environments, warm and familiar for our guests. Thematic transformations certainly have their time and place, but can sometimes come across as “gimmicky.” Recreating an atmosphere such as one found in a boutique-style hotel, plays a key role in many of the event landscapes we create. Events aren’t necessarily just about fantasy, but are often about bringing the reality of some amazing or non-existing place to life. 
2) Attention to details and scaling is always a key element: flower arrangements, existing fixtures, furnishings, tables, stages and of course the event space itself. Beautiful elements and designs are wasted when the scales are off. The use of proper scale and complimentary design elements will offer a complete and unified look to your events, even if they are not terribly expensive or intricate. 
3) We love the idea of designing with “found objects.” We utilize different elements we find ourselves surrounded by every day. We find these things bring life and soul to an event, whether they are unique vases or vessels, antique chairs, custom pillows/throws, candlesticks, driftwood, reclaimed wood, or broken tiles. Using such elements helps keep events fresh and original with a great sense of personality and style. 
4) Try using local artists and craftsmen: painters, potters, glass blowers, seamstresses, carpenters, and sculptors. They can be creative resources full of ideas and skills helping to bring your visions to life. Just recently we have had custom built acrylic and wooden bars made, glass vases, votives and events favors custom blown, pillows sewn, and the walls of a permanent installation hand painted with amazing detail--all by locals excited for the opportunity to be part of memorable events. 
5) For many of our recent events, we have used natural herbs, potted plants, perennial fruits, tailored boxwood, and other succulents in place of more traditional floral displays. Combinations of these elements bring a vibrancy and warmth to a table, dramatic display, or cocktail setting. These kind of solutions can also prove to be very cost-effective, as such floral and foliage is often less expensive (depending on your location), and are great substitutions easily made and put together in a pinch. 
Thank you for allowing me to share some of our ideas at Perfect Surroundings. We sincerely hope you find our design tips useful, and wish you all the best throughout all of your future creative endeavors! 
