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St. Paddy’s Day Wedding

From shamrocks to corned beef to green tablescapes, there’s plenty of amazing ways to incorporate Irish culture and  St. Paddy’s Day theme into your wedding day.   A green shamrock carefully placed  at each table settings is a way to class up Saint Patty's day wedding.  Green bridesmaid dresses look beautiful paying homage to the traditional St. Patrick’s Day color. Cute Lucky in Love banner or even Kiss Me I'm Irish banner! What St. Patrick’s Day wedding would be complete without a  green cocktail? We can't forget about the Guinness infused cake and desserts!  

By |2020-03-05T13:32:21-05:00March 12th, 2020|Holiday Party, Themed Parties, Weddings|Comments Off on St. Paddy’s Day Wedding
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Engagement Ring Trends You’ll See in 2020

Let's Take a sneak peek at the hottest engagement ring trends for 2020 you can shop now—including vintage settings, three stone engagement rings and the new "it" gemstone Your engagement ring should be a reflection of your personal style. If you are not the "tradition bride" or just want a standout and sparkler 2020 is the year to do it!  From fashion-forward two-stone rings to vintage-inspired designs to innovative hidden halo settings do what makes you sparkle!  While a simple solitaire engagement ring may be a classic choice, you're probably going to want to step out of the box, once you see the one-of-a-kind, dazzling engagement ring trends 2020 has in store. Fancy Cut Diamond Engagement Rings Oh you fancy huh? Defined as any diamond shape that isn’t round brilliant, these rocks come in all shapes and sizes, from the more mainstream emerald cut and oval shaped to the less expected marquise cut and heart shaped. Emerald Engagement Rings If you’re on the hunt for more unconventional bling, consider an emerald engagement ring. These vibrant green gemstones are associated with serenity and new beginnings as well as, also just undeniably gorgeous. If that isn’t enough to get you hooked on the “it” stone of 2020, here’s another reason: There is a shade of emerald for almost every skin tone. If you have fair skin, a darker emerald hue makes your complexion look even milkier. If your coloring is olive, try a vibrant green emerald to brighten and bring out the golden undertones of your skin.   Vintage Engagement Rings Take a cue from the engagement ring trends of bygone eras and consider a sparkler with Victorian or art deco flair. What sets these rings apart? [...]

By |2020-02-12T12:48:44-05:00February 28th, 2020|Weddings|Comments Off on Engagement Ring Trends You’ll See in 2020
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Alcohol and Cake….what’s not to love?

A new twist on an old dessert has become very popular this party season, and we think you're going to love it too! We like to call these new fun party favors / dessert Tipsy cakes! These  cakes are perfect for any adult party, combining everyone's two favorite things: Alcohol and Cake. The best part about these tipsy cakes? They can be served at your wedding as a couple different ways and flavors as dessert full on beautiful cake at your dessert bar, mason jar and even cupcake The mini mason jars are perfect for party favors! They can travel on airplanes and stay delicious for an entire week! Unique and fun! Your guest will be impressed and boozed up! Here are some of our top flavors!   Chocolate Kahlua Cake Margarita Lime Cake Banana  Bourbon Butterscotch  Strawberry Daiquiri  Mimosa Tipsy Cupcake Jameson Whisky Cake  Strawberry Margarita Tipsy Mint Chocolate  Guinness Chocolate Cake Mojito Spiked Raspberry Lemonade

By |2020-02-12T11:50:03-05:00February 17th, 2020|Cake|Comments Off on Alcohol and Cake….what’s not to love?
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Don’t get sick on your Wedding Day!

Your wedding day is the day you have been planning and waiting for your whole life! It also has its downfalls, planning can be stressful and stress leads to getting sick. Here are some really cool remedies that can prevent you from getting sick so you can enjoy your big day! It's so simple, your mom tells you to do it before every meal! WASH YOUR HANDS Carry around a small bottle of hand sanitizer Happy Clean Clean Clean Home          Food is the most important force behind battling sickness. Here are some home remedies to consume a couple weeks before the wedding. EAT HEALTHY! Eat one raw clove of garlic before bed time to sweat out all the toxins.... and to keep the vampires away! Ginger Lemon Honey and Tea / Ginger Lemon Shot 3 times a day! Elderberry Shot! Superfood Soup! Garlic, miso and greens are all super foods to help maintain and restore your body's immune system.   GET YOUR SLEEP ON!     Other fun remedies: The steam from the hot shower will activate the oils of the Eucalyptus to help with Decongestion, headaches, inflammation, stress and muscle tightness.   Keep your body and mind healthy Take off your shoes at the front door. Don't spread the germs in your home! Get outside and get sunlight! Stop and Smell the roses! Put your feet on the Grass!

By |2020-02-10T12:52:16-05:00February 15th, 2020|Weddings|Comments Off on Don’t get sick on your Wedding Day!
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Valentines day wedding ideas

Today is Valentines day! So many happy couples choose this day to celebrate their love for one another and get married on the ultimate love day ! Here are some elegant ideas for your special Valentines day wedding! Photo wall Valentines day backdrop Valentines day Sweetheart table ideas   Classy Valentines Day Food Valentines Day Bar   Valentines Day Wedding Centerpieces   Valentine's Day Wedding themed Colors

By |2020-02-12T12:30:37-05:00February 14th, 2020|Weddings|Comments Off on Valentines day wedding ideas
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Predicted Wedding Trends for 2020

Happy New Year Swanky Friends & Family! Another year in front of us, and boy 2020 is already looking so busy! We've had some fun events the past month, and we are starting to see some trends for this year! First, let's start off with some Fashion Trends coming up this year! We are starting to see more of the off shoulder dresses and more low cut back dresses! We're also starting to see colored dresses may be taking a stand this year. All though traditional white will never die, it's nice to see some colorful options out there. Eclectic Styles & Bold Colors are starting to become a normal trend with weddings! We have a feeling 2020 will be the year of sages, blues, with hot pink and orange pops! Say goodbye to the normal whites, blushes, and gold and say hello to something more bold and daring! Online save the dates and wedding invitations have been taken off the past few years. Couples seem to enjoy the tech savvy option to get information out to their friends and loved ones! Online invites is the stepping stone of a bigger "Go Green/Environmentally Friendly" Wedding! Several businesses are available to feature farm to table or all organic cuisine. The options are endless from repurposed bouquets and even eco-friendly wedding dresses to promote a healthy planet and marriage! Wanting to add something extra to your bar service at your wedding? We've seen the popular signature drinks, or themed bars. However, we are noticing there are several different bar displays that add something special and unique to each event. From a keg wall, to a hedge wall that serves champagne, the [...]

By |2020-02-10T12:02:10-05:00February 10th, 2020|Uncategorized, Weddings|Comments Off on Predicted Wedding Trends for 2020
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New Year’s Soiree at the Longboat Key Club

We have had such fun getting to decorate for the member only events at the Longboat Key Club Resort. For 2020 they wanted a modern south beach theme and boy did we give it to them! Featuring, our draping and lighting to enhance the ballroom for a luxurious look. Smaller items such as our stationary menus, white marble chargers, and silver candle votives made for an elegant look. New inventory, our tall white vases with white palms and LED branches added another glowing element to the table. The balloon arch bordered the main doors and made for a grand entrance into the 2020 year. The balloon arch made for a fun photo backdrop as well! However, we can't forget about the ideal moment when the clock stroke midnight and there was a ceiling full of balloons that were released for an ultimate ending to 2019.   Swanky Soiree is so excited to be part of the event packages for weddings, and corporate events to all three major resorts in our area. The year 2020 will be a growth spurt for Swanky. We hope to succeed this year with new, fun ideas to bring in our decor and planning.

By |2020-01-07T15:08:58-05:00January 7th, 2020|Holiday Party, Party Decor, Rentals, Sarasota, Stationary, Table Decor, Themed Parties|Comments Off on New Year’s Soiree at the Longboat Key Club
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Winter Wonderland Weddings

As event planners, we find that it's not uncommon to see weddings being planned around the holidays. It's a convenient time where your family is already together visiting and celebrating. So why not have your wedding at the end of the year, or the beginning of a New Year?! All though the holidays are mostly in the "winter" months, we have found some inspiration for a white wedding. If your hearts desire is for a winter wedding, look no further because we have some great ideas for you!   Arctic Arbors Finding venues that have a winter sparkle make for a great winter theme. Make it a cozy spot near a fireplace, or an arbor featuring frosted pines. A solid winter theme doesn't have to be ice-cold, but nice and comforting to your guests with your venue and backdrop scenery. There are some destination venues that you can get married in igloos. If an igloo isn't your thing, add specialty lighting with snowflakes, or twinkles for an elegant touch. Florals That Will Make You Melt Touches of frosted pinecones, and frosted greenery make for great additions in any wintery bouquet. You don't need to have white flowers to make it feel wonderland like. Adding deep reds and blues into your flowers can make it look just as cool. Cozy Centerpieces No need for floral arrangements, when you can use mini Christmas trees, floating candles, and tree bark to complete a winter look. Beautiful white satin linens can be an elegant touch that will help feature a colorful centerpiece. Cranberries, pines and even silver ornaments make for subtle wintery touches to your decor. Creative signage to add to your tables, and event [...]

By |2019-09-13T14:24:25-04:00December 24th, 2019|Weddings|Comments Off on Winter Wonderland Weddings
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Pros of Paperless Invites Vs. Paper Invites

I am not sure about you, but when I receive any form of wedding invitation, save the date, or thank you card it immediately goes on my fridge. I love having a subtle reminder every day that I have a wedding to go too. However, if you are a budget bride and don't realize how expensive stamps are, maybe considering an e-vite is a good idea. A book of stamps (usually 20 stamps) can cost anywhere from $10-$15 dollars depending on style.   Pros of Paper Invites It's nice to have the traditional piece of elegant paper on your fridge or calendar for subtle reminders A paper invitation can give a sense of theme to the event An opportunity to be creative and unique with the design through multiple sources of websites. Stylizing your invites are endless options! Everyone has a physical mailing address compared to an email or facebook A little more private and less of a risk for being exposed to unwanted comments or guests Cons of Paper Invites Not budget friendly at all. You're getting double the stamps to send it to your guests, and then a stamp for their return RSVP letter. If that guest isn't attending your event, you just ate the cost for paper, print, the stamps, and your time. For our nature lovers, it's not very eco-friendly either. So those guests that are attending your wedding, let's hope the cherish your invite and not toss it away. The time it takes for you to get everyone's formal titles, addresses and track their RSVPS it's a lot of effort that you may not want to deal with.   Pros of Paperless Invites (E-vite) Low costs or even [...]

By |2019-09-02T11:39:16-04:00December 20th, 2019|Stationary, Weddings|Comments Off on Pros of Paperless Invites Vs. Paper Invites
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Venue Spotlight: Palma Sola Botanical Gardens

In Bradenton, FL. there is a beautiful non-profit botanical garden that is worth a visit. Palma Sola Botanical Gardens could be a  perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony and reception. Most of their property is full of exotic plants, flowers, and greenery at every turn. They have there lawn area, or the Galleria Building that can provide some shade and shelter in the hotter months. For Your Ceremony An arch is not needed here when you can use the natural beauty of the trees for your backdrop. All though, if you do want the added elegance of an arch it will only elevate your photos. With multiple corners of the property to choose from you can't go wrong with any spot here . The Lawn The lawn at Palma Sola Botanical is large enough for everything to be out there if you wanted. Fitting both large ceremonies and receptions, including a dance floor! Be sure to have Swanky Soiree help you with your planning, outsourcing furniture and lighting is definitely a must have here. This means you have endless options to create a look you want with unique chairs and lighting designs. The Galleria & Porch If the idea of being out in the open air, and sun light isn't your style for a reception, they do have an indoor space! The galleria is a beautiful wide open building with an extraordinary deck. There are endless possibilities of how you can utilize this space for your event! Some decide to dine out on the porch, while the dancing activities and bar remain inside the building. Add touches of pipe and drape and some twinkle lights for an elegant evening. [...]

By |2019-09-02T12:14:59-04:00December 12th, 2019|Rentals, Venues, Weddings|Comments Off on Venue Spotlight: Palma Sola Botanical Gardens
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Swanky Spirit for the Holiday Soiree

It's the Holiday Season and maybe your family, friends, or your work wants to get into the festive spirit. Whether it's a corporate function to celebrate their employees, or a social gathering to decorate for, Swanky brings the spirit in style. Need some inspiration to host a holiday gathering? Look no further, here are some of our favorites we've seen, and decor of course! Finding a Theme Yes, the theme may be Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, or whatever else you feel is important to celebrate and be thankful for. However, add another element to that theme. Make it an "Ugly Christmas Sweater Soiree" or "Holiday Themed Food Potluck". The themes are endless! You can have a "Mistletoe & Margaritas" party for a small cocktail event. Dress as elves or all in red for a large Christmas party. Do it in style and make it fun! Here are a few inspiration pictures that got us going and thinking about what would be the best theme for this year. Festive Foods & Brews It's important for any party to have food, and drinks. Pinterest is full of ideas for creating fun snacks, and entrees to go with a holiday theme. Adult parties usually include some sort of alcohol, having a signature cocktail, or even drinking game is welcomed.  A private residence party, is a great excuse for a potluck. This helps the host to have less mess and stress day of. If hosting a party at a restaurant or banquet facility, be sure to include some fun holiday like items in the bar and menu.     Fashionably Spirited If you truly are feeling the holiday spirit and want to show some enthusiasm, [...]

By |2019-09-10T11:42:26-04:00December 9th, 2019|christmas, Company party, Holiday Party, Table Decor|Comments Off on Swanky Spirit for the Holiday Soiree
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Supporting the Sport in Your Spouse

There are couples that love the idea of an elegant and glamorous wedding. Then there are other couples that make there wedding day truly different, by incorporating their favorite sports. These sport fanatic couples show their love of a team or sport through their venues, fashion choices and centerpieces. If you and your significant other share the same love ( or rivalry) in sports and teams, these are some great ideas to incorporate them on your special day. The Venue Looking for a place to host as many sports fans as you? Well, your home team stadium can be the perfect spot to host your event at. Some of these couples took it to their home base where they held their ceremonies, or receptions at. The Seating Bracket and Guest book Turn a scoreboard into a seating chart, or make a competitor's bracket for table assignments. Don't want to do a large display, you can always incorporate sports in your place cards. Golf balls, and mini footballs make a great subtle twist on a classic place card. Add the extra spin by getting creative with your table numbers. Pictures of jerseys, stadiums, and players are some ideas to get creative with. Having your guests autograph a bat, or team jersey as a guestbook makes for an awesome keep sake. Game - changing Centerpieces Your plain ballroom linens, can be chosen to fit your teams colors! Fill vases with baseballs or golfballs instead of candles, and add flowers to match your team! Get creative by thinking of ways to incorporate actual sport equipment like a helmet, glove, or baseball bat. Grand Slam Cakes & Toppers This is probably one of [...]

By |2019-08-29T15:36:27-04:00December 5th, 2019|Centerpiece Ideas, Party Decor, Sarasota, Table Decor, Themed Parties, Venues, Weddings|Comments Off on Supporting the Sport in Your Spouse
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Venue Spotlight: The Powel Crosley Estate

This beautiful, historic mansion has the view and the space to host one amazing wedding! Located right on the Sarasota Bay, you can feel the energy from the "Roaring 20s" era still there. You can host up to a 300 or more person wedding, and gala on this property. Each section creates a unique and picturesque memory to last you a lifetime. That's why we are here showcasing each nook and cranny of this property, from Swanky Soiree's real weddings, and other events.   The Bayside Lawn With its luscious green grass that stretches all the way to the shiny turquoise waters of the bay. It's the largest space on the property. Anything over 100 guests is best suited on the lawn. Be prepared for Florida's finicky weather and make sure a Plan B is in action. Tents are allowed on the lawn, but can get expensive depending on the size and color. The lawn is large enough where you can host both a ceremony set up and reception with still plenty of space in between. Photographers can have multiple angle shots with a beautiful background no matter where they shoot. Make sure you budget for outsourcing lighting the lawn up at night, as the lawn space does not come with lighting. Don't know where to look? Swanky Soiree does it all the time, we are happy to help you with your lighting needs here. The Loggia This space is probably the second most photographed location on the property. With the Italian like archways, and tiles it makes for a beautiful vintage space for any backdrop. Some use it as a ceremony space by draping the archways, or featuring a food [...]

By |2019-08-29T12:32:51-04:00December 2nd, 2019|Photography, Sarasota, Venues, Weddings|Comments Off on Venue Spotlight: The Powel Crosley Estate
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Finding Florals: Winter Edition

For our winter brides that may not have the flowers they so desperately want, because they are "not in season", don't worry! We can still make your dreams come true! There are several varieties of flowers still blooming at this time of year! Whatever you are looking for it can still be done with out feeling limited. Here is some helpful photos and bouquets that can be featured in the winter months. Roses, Hypericum Berries, and Pinecones Amaryllis, Ranunculus, and Anemones  Queen Anne's Lace,  Carnations, and Hydrangeas  Gardenia, Baby's Breath & Tulips                  

By |2019-08-26T15:33:58-04:00November 30th, 2019|Floral, Sarasota, Venues|Comments Off on Finding Florals: Winter Edition
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Delicious Decor for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is a great time to take a break and enjoy some food with the family. Everyone has different Thanksgiving traditions, especially when it comes to traditional menu items. But, here at Swanky Soiree we don't just focus on the food, we focus on the table-scape! It's a great time to be surrounded by family, friends, food and decor! Break out the specialty table cloths, runners, and china for a table to remember!   Table Runner's Delight Depending on your style we have shared some of our favorite table runners. Handmade and quilted runners from family is always the best, but creating an autumn feel with burlap, oranges, reds, burgundy's, and browns can make it more delicious. Have your table runners compliment your table, or your flatware by pulling in certain colors, or textures. This ideally will get covered with plates full of food, and centerpieces so sometimes the more simple the better. Centerpieces to Gather Around The ideas and creative pieces are endless! The larger your centerpieces, the more you will need a buffet table on the side for food placement during dinner. Using nature's wonderful elements can bring the Harvest time to your table. Colored candle sticks are trending right now, adding some of these to your table is a great way to pop some color in. Fancy vases used for candles, or wine glasses used for candles welcomes an ambiance for an intimate family dinner. Using pumpkins, gourds, fall leaves, branches, and acorns are great fillers to add to any lantern, bowl, or vase for an easy piece. Harvesting Your Flatware Passed down family chinaware could be a staple at your place and heeds tradition always for [...]

By |2019-08-29T10:56:36-04:00November 27th, 2019|Holiday Party, Party Decor, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Delicious Decor for Thanksgiving
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Venue Spotlight: The Ringling Museum/ The Ca’ d’Zan

Are you looking for a unique and historic place to get married in Sarasota? The Ringling Museum and The Ca'd'Zan is one of your best options. You can't go wrong with any of their unique spaces to host your ceremony and reception. John Ringling is famously known for his circus entertainment. You won't find jugglers and clowns (unless you want too) at your wedding here. You'll find beautiful art pieces and architecture that John Ringing and his wife Mable built long ago. Ceremony Spaces Hosting your ceremony in part of the Courtyard, the mansion's front door, or it's terrace facing the bay are all beautiful options. Each space creates it's own artistic view for your guests to enjoy. Reception Spaces Most of their events here occur at The Ca'd' Zan or the courtyard in the midst of it's art museum. Both are large out door spaces with beautiful views no matter where you look.   Photo Opportunities All though each set up for every space is different and stylized, the photos you can take are endless. Word of advice when booking a historic location as this, they do require photo permits. Make sure you're rental package includes photography rights to get those amazing shots you want!

By |2019-08-19T16:55:23-04:00November 22nd, 2019|Sarasota, Uncategorized, Venues, Weddings|Comments Off on Venue Spotlight: The Ringling Museum/ The Ca’ d’Zan
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The Local Favorite’s for Gifts & Favors

For the destination wedding, it's always a great idea to incorporate some local items and pieces in your event. Most of your guests may be traveling from different places and it's nice to share with them a local favorite. You can incorporate these items in welcome bags, wedding favors, or add them as a decor piece for your event. It's great to provide them with fun things to do while visiting them in the area but even better when they get to take something home with them. Local Shops The Sarasota/Bradenton area is known for it's art festivals, and farmers markets all around the area. You can stroll through one of the festivals in downtown or stroll through the local stores at St. Armand's Circle. There are tiny local shops to get great ideas for favors or gifts. Some of the more well known items, are Sea Salt Florida and Banyan Tree Chocolate & Cafe. Local Farms In the state of Florida we are know for our citrus fruit trees. In this wonderful climate you can find lemon, orange, and mango trees just about anywhere. This makes for great home made local goodies such as honeys, jams, juice, and more! One of the most popular places for this area is Mixon Farms in Bradenton. This farm specializes in anything homemade regarding fruits straight from their farm! Local Museums Many of our couples we work with decide to host their wedding at a botanical garden, museum, or aquarium. What better way to intertwine something local, educational, and unique by incorporating gifts or small items from that museum. Some of our favorites we've worked at are Marie Selby Botanical Garden & The Mote [...]

By |2019-08-21T14:57:09-04:00November 12th, 2019|favors, Sarasota|Comments Off on The Local Favorite’s for Gifts & Favors
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Venue Spotlight: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Looking for a magical garden to say your " I Do's" in? You can find a botanical bliss with luscious plants and giant trees, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The gardens have a grand ballroom next to the entrance of your beautiful ceremony spot. As you enter through the iron gates, a butter fly garden spills out it's history in flowers and plants near the Sarasota Bay location. With plenty of parking and signage, this is a one stop shop for wedding venues.   Ceremony Locations Marie Selby Gardens gives you plenty of choices for your ceremony space. There is the mansion lawn, and the bay lawn where both views are beautiful. Reception Locations If you want inside or outside, this venue has options for both to look at. Michael’s on the Bay is Sarasota’s premiere indoor event facility that has a modern neutral look to it. The 4,800 square-foot venue has 80 feet of glass windows that provide unobstructed bay and sunset views. The Banyan Tree is when Old Florida meets Southern Charm under this canopy provided by the century old branches. Couples have the option to use one of the exclusive lighting companies to enhance the space with a variety of string lighting installed all-throughout the tree canopy.  

By |2019-08-19T16:07:54-04:00November 9th, 2019|Venues, Weddings|Comments Off on Venue Spotlight: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
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