Not only are reds, pinks and purples considered the colors of love, but they are the perfect colors to enhance and bring any venue or space alive! Through flowers, linens, dance floors, wall treatment, lighting or costuming, a romantic color scheme is the way to bring on the energy of any event!

Line the aisles with strewn petals and candles. Create romance with a large floral arch or chuppah outfitted with lots of flowers in pinks, whites or reds.

Have men come in red ties and women in black, white, pink or red! As a bride, add accents of lace or sparkle to create a soft, romantic look.

Display red and pink roses everywhere – set into anything that blings! Chair covers surrounding sequined or textured linens for your head table will set the visual stage for a sexy and glamorous table. Pass your drinks on red lacquered trays…and of course…make the drinks RED.

And of course, don’t forget about your desserts! Accent take-home favors, cupcakes or cakes with your pinks and reds and sparkles.

Looking forward to seeing how you all incorporate a romantic color palette into the month of love!

XOXO, Linda

Party designs come alive when you bring on the red! Whether you use the color as an accent or your main shade throughout, vibrant red will bedazzle and bring on the fun.

Any color scheme gets pumped up when red comes into the picture: black & white, hot pink, silver & gold, lime green & blue, grey & white, and more!

Not sure where to start? Red can become the magical accent through the use of candles, napkin rings, chargers, flowers, lighting, presents wrapped with red sparking ribbons, boas, or dance floor images!

Create a “red- tie” event by having all male guests stand out by wearing  a red tie.

It is a color that can generate excitement, romance, and fire. Have fun with it, make a fire-hot statement…and bring the room alive!

Rentals: Rrivre Works | Linens: La Tavola | Venue: Hilcrest Country Club | Design: Randy Fuhrman Events and Linda Howard

XOXO, Linda

When looking to make a bridal shower or wedding reception extra sweet, all you have to do is add a little sugar. In other words, bring delicious candy onto the scene! It was so fun partnering up with Rosie O’Neill, co-founder of Sugarfina, and Love Detailed to show you how simple it can be to create the perfect candy station for your next event.

To style this project, we positioned take-home favors, Sugarfina’s signature Lucite candy boxes, in the drawers of a chic dresser. Need more inspiration and information? Here’s my conversation with Rosie and Love Detailed, where we are sharing some of our expert tips on how to design a beautiful candy station.

Love Detailed: If you were to claim that there are must-haves for every candy station that you design, what would some of them be?

Linda: My must-haves are different shapes and sizes of glass apothecary jars, candy scoops, risers and signage. I also love to mix textures and colors to add interest to the table.

Rosie: That contrast helps break it up and definitely gets good attention (referring to Linda). I love mixing metallic elements in also. And adding in confetti or poppers!

LD: What elements would you add in if you were trying to “spice it up”?

Linda: Anything you think is a fun detail at a birthday party or any other celebration. Typical party items such as streamers, confetti and glitter can help to make the table design come to life.

LD: Tell us some of your expert tips.

Rosie: Here’s one. First, stage your design empty and then add candy. Fill up a bag with the amount of candy you need, and pour gently right from the bag — this will help delicate candy stay intact.

Linda: Remember goodie bags? Why do only kids deserve them? For leftovers, fill up candy bags and send them home with your guests. I am also all about layering. Layer your candy in your color scheme to create a cohesive feel and make your station look “styled” — it comes out beautiful if done right.

LD: How much candy do you suggest per guest?

Linda: Depends on how sugar-happy your guests are, but I generally recommend a quarter pound of candy per guest.

LD: And what type of candy assortment should you go for?

Rosie: I’d suggest that you avoid mint and licorice — those are strong flavors that don’t always mix well with others. Also, I suggest avoiding nuts or candy bars that have them; you never know who has an allergy. I definitely recommend mixing smooth chocolate flavors with gummy and chewy candy. That, in my experience, tends to keep guests grinning.

Follow these expert tips and you will be on your way to a sweet celebration!

See the feature on HuffPost Weddings here!

Photographer: Vanessa Tierney Photography | Design: Sugarfina and Linda Howard Events | Decor: Love Detailed | Candy: Sugarfina

Double the meaning, double the fun!

Two precious girls, Alexis and Samantha Frohlich shared the bema and the celebration honoring them. Turning 13 on April 25^th, 2015 at the Skirball Cultural Center. Their favorite color was purple. So we used purple as our lead color, highlighting with silver and white.

The theme was “express yourself” and we used the spot words of DANCE, LAUGH, LOVE, ACT, SING, and CREATE for everyone to feel the connection of the theme and express who the girls actually are. Mirrors were used all around the space. The tables for the adults were topped with mirrors with vases and sparkling silver heels overflowing with white and purple floral. A wire dress form was decorated with a purple boa and an adorable skirt and it sat high in the center of the table.

The shiny dance floor reflected the changing lights throughout the evening. The setting for an “all-out dance party” was reflective and perfect. With dancing to the music of d.j.bino — the dance floor was never empty.

From a full buffet dinner for young and old to a candy station, an ice cream and cookie station and a make-your-own candy apple station, it was truly a non-stop “fun and yummy” food fest for everyone to enjoy and rave about.

Sam and Alex’s friends danced the night away. They had so much fun taking photos with props, making silk-screened tee shirts, playing games and making candy apples. It was a great celebration that will be remembered forever as the “best night of their lives to share as sisters.”

 Flowers: S & R Originals | Lighting: Daylight Event Lighting | Venue: Skirball Cultural Center | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Linens: La Tavola

XOXO Linda

Erica and Justin’s wedding was one that their friends and family had been waiting for, and looking forward to, for a very long time. Erica and Justin met in middle school and began dating in high school. After dating throughout high school, during their four years at The University of Michigan, and into their early 20s, Justin proposed to Erica in their home. It was a romantic proposal, using rose petals, candles and champagne (what more could a girl want?!) to win her heart.

Erica and Justin’s Wedding Ceremony and Reception took place at The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Erica had wanted a venue that offered an indoor and outdoor setting, as well as a caterer with kosher food. Erica had her Bat Mitzvah at The Skirball, so it already held a special place in her heart as the perfect setting for her wedding. It was just meant to be.

Erica’s vision was to have a “simple, but elegant and romantic wedding. She wanted to blend beauty with a contemporary feel, based on a color scheme of whites, blush, lavender and accents of silver.

The bridal bouquet consisted of all white peonies, while her bridesmaids carried bouquets of blush flowers, made up of roses, hydrangeas and her very favorite flower, dahlias.

In traditional Jewish wedding fashion, we designed a chuppah that was beautifully adorned in lavish florals by Amy Childs, from The Hidden Garden. It truly encompassed the overall theme and was simply gorgeous. Erica made a dramatic entrance down a long staircase… and even longer aisle.

Erica had written in a diary that documented their entire friendship… and romantic relationship. That set the tone for the entire evening. To personalize their wedding…. we created a video that actually showed her diary with the words written…. ” I think I am going to marry Justin Nussen”…. and played their introduction to the video montage of their lives and courtship to the song, “Today I met the man I’m going to marry.” Everyone was blown away and so happy to be a part of their happiness.

Their wedding cake, designed with Kimberly from The Butter End, was composed of four white, frosted layers that were beautifully embossed with a quilted pattern and separated by layers of silver crystal embellished decor. The show-shopping cake was displayed on a silver plateau and it sat on a silver, sequined La Tavola linen.

Our goal was to create a “magical look” for such a special couple and make their dreams come true. From beginning to end, it was a “Dream Wedding” and we were thrilled to be a part of it!

Photography: Embrace Life Photography | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Floral Design: The Hidden Garden | Venue: The Skirball Center | Cake: The Butter End Cakery | Linens: La Tavola Linens | Dress: Amsale Bridal | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Band: Rick Cowling for West Coast Music

XOXO Linda

Mirrors, champagne, and chocolate…what more do you need? Your guests will love seeing any (or all!) of these tablescape details, along with some of my other favorites. By adding unique, personal touches, your tabletop design will enhance the atmosphere you’ve created and set the tone of your guests’ experience. No matter what event you’re throwing, my detail tricks will help elevate any tabletop.

Mirrors add such a sophisticated and glamorous feel to a reception room. Use one instead of a table linen or use mirrored floral containers. As a tabletop, a flower box, or wherever you would like to reflect soft colors, mirrors are a sleek solution to bringing light to the table. Accompanied by gorgeous florals, elegant stemware, and romantic candles, your table will surely feel like a dreamland.

Specialty champagne flutes are a unique way to set your sophisticated design apart from traditional table settings. Champagne flutes are often given as wedding gifts, so there’s no better place to use them for the first time than when you’re toasting to your special day!

Votives are essential to lighting up your table. Mercury glass, metallics, and jewels all make a difference when it comes to amping up the ambiance. Watch your table glitter and glow!

Who doesn’t love a sweet little surprise? Your guests will enjoy finding their own personal candy dish or chocolate bites when they take their seats. It’s an easy but unique finish that will go a long way!

Your menus are just another place to which you can extend your personal design. If you have a monogram or design you’ve been using in other places throughout your wedding like on invitations or take-home gifts, put it on the menus as well for cohesiveness and personalization.

There are many unique details you could add to each place setting to play up the design or theme. Escort cards and table numbers can be decoratively displayed in small frames that complement the style of the table.

Implement details that will complement the centerpiece or overall style. This delicately placed fresh lavender completes the look of this sweet, rustic table design.

What are your favorite tabletop details?
xoxo, Linda

Photo credits: Dalal Photography, Embrace Life Photography, Laurie Bailey Photography, Mi Belle Photography, True Photography

At Linda Howard Events we always think out-of-the-box and make our events a “fun celebration” to remember! We’ve gathered together our top 10 ways to make your wedding into the party of the year that you friends and family will never forget!

1) Plan a confetti blast of white or rose petals to be blasted after you say “I Do”Photo: Curtis Dahl

2) Have a choreographed dance with your wedding party and wear matching accessories– Fun socks for the guys and boas for the girls!Photo: True Photography

Photo: Mi Belle Photographers

3) Have the bartenders and waiters dressed in tuxedos wearing ties in your wedding accent color.

4) Hire a “traveling table” to serve drinks around the room. They can serve drinks around the cocktail area as your guests chat.

5) Hire sushi chefs dressed in their traditional attire to make sushi rolls in front of your guests! This interactive setting is fun for guests to watch in amazement.

6) Pass out LED goodies after dinner. Your guests will be ready to party and these light up toys encourage fun and dancing.

7) Show a “he said-she-said” montage video. It helps everyone to feel closer to the Bride and Groom as they share their love story.Photo: Mi Belle Photographers

Photo: Laurie Bailey Photography

8). Offer a different type of dessert in addition to the wedding cake. Ideas: gelato station, pie station, candy apple station, candy bar.Photo: True Photography

Photo: Beautiful Day Photography

9) Hire a Selfie Booth. Everyone love a photo of themselves dressed up and it’s a great favor for guests to remember what a great night they had.

10) Give the valet a gift to place in your guests cars for their ride home. Suggestions: water bottles and Tylenol, donuts, cookies and milk cartons, a bag of candy kisses all with a special note of thanks from YOU!Photo: Mi Belle Photographers

Photo: Beautiful Day Photography

XOXO Linda

You asked & Linda answered! We will be bringing you Q&A’s from our expert every month . She will be covering anything and everything on wedding planning and answering all the questions that keep you up at night…  

As published on love detailed

Q: What comes first, the guest list or the venue?
A: Make certain to solidify your guest count before falling in love with a venue. How sad would it be to cut out people that you want to be there, due to a reception room and a dance floor being too small?

Q: How far in advance do I need to shop for my wedding gown?
A: I suggest scheduling your first appointment 8-10 months out. If time is not an issue, enjoy “shopping” for your most favorite wedding gown. You will be surprised to see that you will fall in love with a gown and will spend the rest of the time comparing the other gowns to it. Stores will try to get you to commit, but gowns can still be received if you order 5 months out. So, do not get nervous… enjoy the experience!

Q: What questions do I need to ask the venue?
A: How many people can the ceremony site hold? Reception site?
How large will the dance floor be?
Are there any sound restrictions?
What time can the reception go until?
Can we bring in specialty desserts, candy bars, etc.?
What time can the vendors come in to set up?
Can we bring in our own wine or liquor?
Can we bring in our own cake designer?

Q: Who, exactly, should be invited to the rehearsal dinner?
A: Customarily, your rehearsal dinner will be made up of your bridal party, their significant others, your immediate family and your out-of-town guests. But, if your budget does not accommodate that, you can plan a rehearsal dinner for your bridal party, their significant others and your immediate family. Around 8:30 pm, you can invite all of your out-of-town guests to join you for a “welcome dessert reception” where everyone will be together to participate in the fun and festivities.

Q: How do I stop feeling like I forgot something? What is the most common thing brides forget to plan for their wedding? 
A: The best way to feel “prepared” for your BIG day is to organize your thoughts on paper! I always suggest that my brides keep a pad of paper and pen next to their bed at night. That is when all of the thoughts come swirling in your head. If you don’t write them down at the time you think of it, you will never remember it in the morning. Create a checklist of items to bring with you on the “day-of” the wedding. Take the time to check off each item.

The best way to stay calm and relaxed is to be organized. The week of your wedding should be spent getting ready, greeting all your out of town guests, and enjoying the special moments. If you do not have a Wedding Planner, then make certain to hire a day-of coordinator. You should be able to pass over all of your paper work and let her take over the coordination of all of your hard work and planning.

Purchase a portable and collapsible clothing rack. Begin to try on and place the clothing, the shoes and the purses you will be wearing for the Rehearsal Dinner, your Wedding Day, and for the Morning-After Brunch. Do this the week before your wedding, and then don’t think about it again! It is best not to go into your closet for any of these items. Also, you should think about the jewelry you will be wearing for these events, and place it in a box the week before the wedding.

Remember to get a floor plan from your venue a month out, showing where your tables will be placed in the room, along with the dance floor. Number the tables. Place all of your guests at their tables two weeks before your wedding. Create place cards for everyone according to their table number. Do NOT wait until the week of the wedding to do this, because it will stress you out way too much!

Do you have any wedding planning questions?
Write me in the comments below.

xoxo
Linda

My brides always ask me for tips about getting ready in the morning of their wedding day. It can be a very overwhelming experience so I wanted to gather together some suggestions for making getting ready for the big day a memorable experience!  Relax and enjoy being surrounded by the women you hold nearest and dearest.

Get a good night sleep– so that you are ready to rise and shine!!

Make sure you have enough space set aside for your hair and makeup team to set up and work their magic. Clean off the bathroom sink and or a desk the night before, so you aren’t cleaning/scrambling that morning!  Once hair & make up is complete have your mother or maid of honor help you into your gown! Reveal your complete look to your bridesmaids–this makes for a great photo!

You asked & Linda answered! We will be bringing you Q&A’s from our expert every month . She will be covering anything and everything on wedding planning and answering all the questions that keep you up at night…  

As published on love detailed

Q: Does everyone in my bridal party need a plus one?
A: Not necessarily! I say if the couple is not engaged or living together you don’t need to feel the pressure to extend a plus one invite. Of course, over time if the relationship becomes more serious, then absolutely extend the invitation to the significant other.

Q: I don’t have the budget for a big wedding but my fiancé and I both have big families and a lot of friends. How do I trim my guest list?
A: Rather than cut your guest list, you can split up the ceremony and reception. Plan a private ceremony for immediate family and bridal party only, followed by a fun celebration with a DJ and food stations. Another option is to get married in the afternoon so your bar bill is not hiking up your cost. Sometimes I also suggest saving money by lining your aisle with florals that will then turn into centerpieces.

Q: Does everyone receiving a wedding invitation also need a save the date?
A: I think its important to note that sending save the dates is not mandatory. You can spread the word to your nearest and dearest via email and phone and not to put it in writing. That will allow you to make final decisions for a guest list at a later date and relieve some of that pressure. If some of the guests on your list are obligatory and you’d rather they not attend, just send save the dates to your friends. And let the parents spread the word by phone or email.

Q: I just got engaged and we are planning a year long engagement. Which vendors do I need to book first?
A: Your main vendors are: your florist, your music, your photographer and your videographer. They usually book one year out. I wouldn’t want you to be disappointed that your favorite photographer was contracted. It is wonderful when you can have your first choice.

Q: My fiancé has a busy job and doesn’t have a lot of spare time to wedding plan. Which planning items should he make time to be involved in so he feels included in the wedding planning process?
A: Have him attend the first meeting with your wedding planner, the music, the photographer and videographer. He will also most likely want to go to the cake and food tasting. You can go with him to the tuxedo rental shop to select the style of tuxedo for himself, the groomsmen and the fathers. His parents will most likely be hosting a rehearsal dinner, and if so, he can help them decide where to host it. It will be his job to select gifts to say thank you to his Groomsmen. Also… he should help make arrangements for the honeymoon. The honeymoon planning process is like planning a fairytale trip and it will be a wonderful memory and time to look back on.

Do you have any wedding planning questions?
Write me in the comments below.

xoxo
Linda