FAVORS are FUN!

Why are favors important? 

Although not necessary, favors can be a great touch to acknowledge your guests for making the effort to attend your wedding and celebrate with you and your spouse. Each person cleared their schedule for the day or sometimes two, bought a gift, got fixed up and many times, traveled to get to your wedding. 

So...what are some favor options? 

Something Sweet

Smores
(Packaged items are easy to take home)

Honey
(With a cute phrase or locally made)

Candy Bar

(Because everyone loves to make their own goody bag)

Source: Mazel Moments

Something Practical

Glasses or Fans
(Great for outdoor weddings)

  

Source: Rifle Paper Co.

Coozies
(Customizable-Usable-Fun)

Something Fun

Bubbles
(Dual purpose- the grand exit and to keep)

Plants
(To watch grow as your marriage does)

Something Charitable 

Donation
(Instead of giving an actual gift, spend the favor money on a cause that is important to you)

Just Remember to say "thank you!"

Event Planning Internship

Stratford Events Internship

We are looking for some who is creative + organized, fun + focused, and excels in blogging + social media. If you are seeking a great place to intern with over the next year, and meet the qualifications below, please apply! We can't wait to meet you!

 Qualifications:

·      Currently enrolled in undergraduate/graduate coursework seeking internship credit or looking for event experience

·      Professional in appearance and all communication

·      Available on weekends and weekday evenings for potential events (minimum 1-2 per month)

·      Ability to use Word, Excel and do research

·      Office hours 6-8 per week

·      Type A personality (typically)

·      Can communicate effectively written and oral

·      Ability to listen and complete tasks that are assigned in a timely manner

If you believe you are a good fit based on the information above, please submit your resume and cover letter to Lindsey@stratfordevents.com with which semester you are applying for. 

Intern Time Frames (2013-2014):

Summer: Now – August 23

Fall: August 26 – December 21

Spring: January 13 – May 15 

We Honor You

Honoring Lost Loved Ones at Weddings

 Of all the pieces to a wedding, there is one that can be difficult- honoring a loved one who has passed. I have seen this displayed in many forms for couples wishing to recognize family members or friends who were close to them who could not be present to share in their celebration of life together. It is an extremely personal decision and is completely up to the couple to decide.

Here are a variety of ways during the wedding ceremony and reception that a couple can acknowledge lost loved ones privately or publicly: 

~During the Ceremony~

1. Wear or Hold Something
Whether it is a grandmothers hair pin, a grandfathers handkerchief or your great-grandmothers dancing shoes, wear or hold an item of importance to you and your loved one and remember them on your day.

 

        Source: Intimate Weddings

2. Kind Words in the Program 

A tribute in the ceremony program allows for recognition without drawing a lot of attention. Something as simple as "We wish you could be standing here with us today, but we know you are here in spirit. You are in our hearts always. We love and miss you."

3. Dedicated Reading or Song

Walk down the aisle to a shared favorite song or have someone close to them do a special reading.

4. Moment of Silence

Speak with the person leading the ceremony to determine at what point in the ceremony a moment of silence can take place. Everyone can stand and recognize those not present.

5. Save their Seat

Have a special row with individual flowers or bouquets where loved ones would be sitting.

~During the Reception~

1. Release a Balloon 

The couple can release one or multiple balloons representing the loved ones are remembered.

2. Candle on Guest Sign-In Table

An flameless candle with a small description represents that their memory will live forever.

  

                                                                    Source: etsy

3. Use a Gift 

Incorporate something given to you- champagne flutes, a bible or a sign in book, etc.

4. Photo/Memorabilia Table

Display old photographs with your new engagement photos displayed at the reception.

Source: Maida Vale

5. Include in Toast

Have this person mentioned in the toast so that he or she may be recognized.

Meet the team!

Stratford Events is a team of talented event designers and coordinators who are excited to help you plan the wedding of your dreams! In the next couple of weeks, the Stratford Events website and blog will be getting a make-over, including bios of the lovely ladies who create magical memories for the clients we work with! Until then, we thought we'd share with you a behind the scenes team picture taken by the talented Shelley Elena Photography. It was a hot a sweaty day and we were buzzing around like little worker bees styling a Bliss Bridal Magazine  shoot for their October Issue, but boy, we LOVE what we do and you can really tell in this picture! 

The Stratford Events Team

From left to right: 

Kayli Head, Floral and Event Designer

Ashlyn Hobbs, Event Designer and Coordinator

Roxy Poole, Wedding and Event Coordinator

Lindsey Hollingsworth, Wedding and Event Coordinator

Want to receive updates, current trends, and special offers from Stratford Events?

Fill out our contact form and like us on Facebook!

BEST new WEDDING PLANNER is Austin!!

Stratford Events was awarded 

"BEST new WEDDING PLANNER in Austin" 

for 2013 and we want to celebrate with YOU! 

Book in June and receive 10% off our "Final Details" package... that means you get the BEST wedding planner in Austin for $1,080!!

"Final Details" Wedding Package (Normally $1,200)

‐ Respond to unlimited emails and phone calls 30 days from the wedding

‐ Meeting 3‐4 weeks before the wedding to review timeline, plan ceremony

(including seating, processional, and recessional), as well as reception details

‐ Create comprehensive timelines of the ceremony and reception

‐ Provide timeline to vendors, family members, and members of the bridal party

‐ Confirm vendors (delivery times, items being delivered, etc) prior to the wedding

‐ Act as point of contact for the wedding day vendors

‐ Attend final walk‐thru meeting with ceremony and reception venue

‐ Conduct the rehearsal so that the wedding ceremony runs smoothly

‐ Up to 10 hours of assistance the day of the wedding

‐ Coordinate all dynamic facets of your day into a seamless and polished event:

vendor management, attend to guests needs and inquiries, facilitate solutions to

unexpected challenging situations that may arise, etc.

‐ Assist bride and groom as needed throughout wedding day

‐ Oversee all wedding day deliveries

‐ Ensure the design of the venue appears as anticipated

‐ Direct the wedding party so they are in the proper place at the proper time

‐ Deliver remaining payments to vendors the day of the wedding

‐ Coordinate events and announcements throughout the reception

‐ Monitor clean up, return of rental items, and insure personal belongings are given

to the right person

Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation in our design studio, and let the BEST wedding planning team Austin help you plan the wedding of your dreams!

Stratford Events

(512) 827-7617

info@stratfordevents.com

3105-C Manchaca Road

Austin, Texas 78704

Tuesday Tip: Maps!!

Austin has been named one of the most desirable destination wedding spots for couple's looking to give their wedding guests a full weekend of entertainment. So what is the best way to show out of towners where to go? A map, of course!

Check out some of our favorite designs:

Find this on Etsy

Medley Invitations

Source Here

Buy this on Etsy

Meet Taylor!

You may have noticed a new face bouncing around the many wedding events hosted in Austin recently. She's a trendy dresser, has a cute bob everyone wishes they could pull off as well as her, and is obsessed with all things wedding. She passed the Stratford Events "Are you Crafty Enough" test at the Austin Weddingday Style Engaged! event, and even arranged some flowers for our open house at Le San Michele. So without further adieu, I am pleased to introduce the newest edition to the Stratford Events team: Taylor Ladd, Event Design Intern. 

Where do you go to school and what are you studying?

I'm a student at Texas State University studying Public Relations.

Why did you choose to do an internship with Stratford Events?

I was first introduced to Stratford Events at the Bridal Extravaganza this past January.  I wasn't looking for an internship at the time but fell in love with their style and display instantly.  They were by far the best booth at the event.  I then met Ashlyn and Margo and they were so much fun!  I was completely blown away and decided if they'd have me I would love to work with them.  I guess luck was on my side!

How would you describe your personal “style”?

If I had to pick 5 adjectives to describe my style they would be: classic, edgy, retro, fun, and a touch of glamour!

What is your favorite 2013 wedding trend so far?

The 1920's vintage look!  The style of the roaring 20's fashion is very romantic and elegant.  I can't wait to see it return.

What are you most excited to experience during your internship?

I am most excited about the chance to be a part of so many magical days!  I have been in love with weddings since I was a little girl and look forward to sharing that passion with my co-workers and our brides!

Taylor Ladd

Event Design Intern

Spring 2013