The Event Coordinator

Designed Events Planning - Melbourne, FL

2012-01-22T14:10:00.003-05:00

You know you have gone full circle when your lovely couple announces to you the upcoming birth of their first child. I actually feel like a proud aunt/mom/wedding planner. I worked closely with Meg & Nick the months close to their wedding and really was made to feel like part of the family. Best Wishes and prayers for a healthy, happy baby! Eventfully yours, Betsy

Designed Events - Wedding Planning - Melbourne, FL

2012-01-22T13:49:00.003-05:00

For those of you that are familiar with Preston Bailey (the event decorator for the stars), you know how magnificent his events become once he puts his vision down on paper and everything seamlessly happens! When a wonderful young bride came to me with Bailey's latest book in hand, I knew that we would need to adjust budget to vision. Because let's face it, not many of us have Oprah's or Joan River's bank accounts. My bride's dream was to create a winter wonderland for her December wedding in Florida and I an happy to say we achieved that with the help of her wonderful family who went into the woods to find the "birch like" trees for our forest. The trees were cut and prepped, the family once again pitched in and painted the trees to give the desired effect. Once the white twinkling lights were delicately placed on each individual branch, an enchanted winter wonderland was created. The joy was evident in my beautiful bride's face. Happy life to you both! Eventfully yours, Betsy

Designed Events Planning - Melbourne, FL - Disney meets Mark Anthony

2011-10-20T17:13:00.004-04:00

What do you get when you mix a little salsa, a little Disney, a little Mark Anthony and a lot of love...welcome to Maritza and Shane's wedding! The wedding was in a ultra modern church and the reception at Heritage Isles in Vierra. For those of you not familiar with the venue, you should check it out. The room was beautiful and the personel incredibly accomodating. Centerpieces were a mixture of florals and tropical fruits, Renaissance Catering provided the tasty food and DJ Shane entertained as well as lit the room to create a magnificient ambiance. It was an evening not soon forgotten. I had the pleasure of meeting the families of both the bride and groom and feel a kinship to the entire extended family. Good luck to the happy couple! Eventfully yours, Betsy

Designed Events Planning - Melbourne, Florida - Fran & George

2011-06-08T13:36:00.007-04:00

What can I say about a young couple that has only hope and love in their eyes....meet Fran & George. Not my typical, run of the mill groom but a charming & warm groom nonetheless. When they first visited me at my studio, I was very interested to hear about the wedding day but George had very little to say. It was lovely Fran that filled me in with all the details. With each meeting, George opened up and I am happy to report that by wedding day, George and I were friends. The genuine caring and loving nature that this couple exhibited truly reminded me of why I love the wedding business. Her flower selections reflected the sophisticated simplicity that she exudes! I wish you only the best that life has to offer and many moments of laughter! Eventfully yours, Betsy

Designed Events Planning-Melbourne Florida- "Double the Fun" B'Nai Mitzvah

2011-06-08T12:44:00.007-04:00

It isn't everyday that I am given the opportunity to work with one great 13-year-old but I was honored to be hired to work with two charming 13-year-olds getting ready for their big day...their B'Nai Mitzvah! For those of you that haven't been blessed with the exposure of the jewish culture, a b'nai mitzvah is a mitzvah for two. In this case a set of twins...Evan & Ellie. Their theme was broadway and Ellie's creative juices were working when she came up with the title of the mitzvah "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Temple". The venue turned into old, glam broadway complete with a "Will Call" booth, giant "Sold Out" broadway posters, a "Silent Picture" booth and the "Main Stage" where the twins with their friends sat front and center. As the guests entered they were red carpet ready and when the doors opened it was broadway at its best with great food, good company, fine music and wonderful traditions! Mazel tov Evan & Ellie! Eventfully yours, Betsy

Designed Events Planning-Melbourne Florida- Thank you!!!!

2010-06-19T14:30:00.005-04:00

It's official!!!! I have the most AWESOME job in the world. Working with wonderful people and learning new things everyday.... whether it is a new word in hebrew for an upcoming bar/bat mitzvah or a cherished tradition from a foreign culture. I have the privilege of coming into people's lives during some of their most precious moments. I would like to thank all of my former clients for having faith in me to deliver a spectacular event and to thank future clients for the possibility of working with you. Eventfully yours, Betsy

Designed Events Planning - Melbourne FL - Love Reigns

2010-04-14T07:31:00.009-04:00

Who was to dream that a trio of running giraffes, one very large rhino & some very loud macaws would be the PERFECT backdrop for a very unique wedding for two very special people. When I initially met Meg, I was totoally drawn in by her sweetness and grace. She was unlike any other bride that I had ever met. She had no interests in marrying at a country club....on a golf course...with crystal chandeliers but instead wanted to be married in a venue as all described as "So Meg"....The Brevard Zoo. As the event designer, I didn't want to fall into a typical zoo like theme so instead we watched the Robert Redford /Meryl Streep "Out of Africa" and took our lead from that. Vintage lace dressed the tables, misquotoe netting created the chupppah and magenta & orange roses adorned the room. The marriage was a union of two very distinct cultures....jewish and cuban so we felt it extremely important to honor both. The jewish ceremony was lead by a colorful Rabbi and we introduced a "Touch of Cuba" in the reception with a area of Cuban coffee, dominoes and a wonderful "family photo wall". Mazel tov Meg & Nick! May your life be as beautiful together as you are separately! Here' s a tip - If your budget can not handle a photo booth, create your own free standing photo wall and customize to fit your theme. Eventfully yours, Betsy

Designed Events Planning - Melbourne FL - Golden Fundraising

2010-02-24T17:53:00.006-05:00

With all the hype about "gold buys", I have taken my gold parties to the next level and have started "Golden Fundraising" for any non for profit organizations.
The non for profit hosts the gold buy at their venue & we provide the man power for testing, weighing, and buying. CASH is received on the spot and we give back a percentage of the proceeds to the organization that is hosting. It is a "win, win"! Because we have been part of the Brevard Family since 1970, people feel much more comfortable than they do in a" hotel buy setting" plus we guarantee to pay higher than anyone in the area. Here's a tip: If you are looking for a unique fundraising opportunity, contact me and we will hold a "Golden Fundraiser.....not just another bake sale" for your organization! :) Eventfully yours, Betsy

Designed Events Planning - Melbourne, FL - Mexican "Green"

2010-01-20T12:15:00.009-05:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure to work with a family on their first son's bar mitzvah. The theme was a Mexican Fiesta.. It was a "Nacho Ordinary Bar Mitzvah because normally, when discussing a Mexican theme for a kid friendly party, words like pinatas, inflatables, glowsticks etc. would be mentioned; however, this particular mom was very clear on what she wanted. As part of her son's "tzedakah" (the charitable giving), she wanted all decor to be made from things that we could reuse. For instance, rather than spending hundreds on floral displays, the tables were adorned with striped blankets & baskets that were fill with beans, rice, garlic & hot chli peppers. The entrance of the venue was draped to give the appearance that the guests were walking into a Cantina which also had baskets full of produce and dried legumes. Once all the guests were gone, all of the perishable items were packed and were taken to the local soup kitchen where they would be used to feed many hungry people. As I was packing up the last of my props, I realized that this particular event would stay with me much longer than most because of the good sense of this charitable mom who instilled in her young son the beauty and true meaning of his bar mitzvah. Here's a tip...when deciding on decor, plan on using the decorations like this family did or even consider taking the flowers or centerpieces to a hospital or an elder care facility where they will bring much joy to the residents. Eventfully yours, Betsy

Designed Events Planning - Melbourne, FL - The Event Resource Center

2009-10-04T11:58:00.007-04:00

With the help of several of my colleagues, I am happy to announce that on November 7 we will be holding a launch party for the opening of our new "Event Gallery". We are a full service event resource center offering a relaxed showroom that features all the latest trends & styles in event design. This is a great way for clients who are planning a wedding, corporate event, or bar/bat mitzvah just to name a few, to be introduced to many of Brevard County's top professionals. Included within our showroom will be everything you need to plan your next event from start to finish. Prospective clients are invited to share in a glass of wine while browsing our prescreened vendor displays and information. Here's a tip...Meet & greets & vendor showcases are a must attend! Hope to see you at "The Event Gallery". Eventfully yours, Betsy

Event Planning - Melbourne FL - Bridal Budget

2009-09-04T11:35:00.005-04:00

The big talk this year with most of my brides (and the rest of the world) has been the lagging economy so we have had to adjust accordingly. We price our weddings per item, so brides can prioritize to fit their budget. They have the "must haves", "would really like" and "in my dreams" and can then decide with a itemized breakdown where they can spend those wedding dollars. We also have created a different payment schedule. Rather than asking for 50% deposit as in years past, we now allow our brides to "pay as they go" and require a much lower deposit. Here's a tip...when meeting with your service providers ask them if they can incorporate this "pay as you go" method. It will be easier for you, the consumer, to make monthly payments rather than one lump sum and there is nothing better than a happy bride!!! Eventfully Yours, Betsy

Event Planning - Melbourne Florida - "A Blues Wedding"

2009-07-29T12:42:00.004-04:00

I recently was given the opportunity to help a wonderful couple design their reception site. They had initially met at a local jazz club & wanted to incorporate the "blues" vibe into their wedding and that's exactly what we did. With a little bit of creativity, we transformed the reception venue into "Miller's House of Blues". The stage was set for the evening's theme with the help of B & W Harlem Posters, lamps posts, neon signs, & fog machines...all of which gave guests the feeling of entering a club below street level of a city. Spandex chair & table covers created lounge furniture & battery operated lamps adorned the tables. Here's a tip....when planning your wedding theme incorporate elements about you as a couple much like this couple did. It certainly personalizes the event and makes it exclusively yours and totally memorable. Eventfully Yours, Betsy

Event Planning in Melbourne - "Gold Rush"

2009-06-25T11:44:00.004-04:00

Due to the economic conditions, I have found that my Event Business is down from last year. Fortunately, many of my clients are weathering this economic storm and are booking for 2010. But in the mean time, I needed to create an event that would be a "win win" for both myself and my clients so we began hosting "Gold Rush Cocktail Parties". I am not the type to invite friends to a "tupperware" party and obligate them to spend money; however, I am one to invite friends to share in a little food, wine, & conversation and leave with some CASH! The concept is that they bring their recyclable gold (ie. broken chains, single earrrings, & class rings), have it tested, weighed, & have the opportunity to turn it in for cash on the spot. The parties are exclusively for ladies & have really been enjoyed by all. Here's a tip...If you are thinking about selling your gold beware of who you are selling to and don't fall for the gimmick "We pay 20% more!" Most of the time the buyer can't tell you the seller what that means....20% more of what?

Event Planning in Melbourne - Love at any Age

2009-05-08T15:52:00.006-04:00

I just sat down with a lovely lady this morning and her daughter to discuss her upcoming nuptials. She is a vibrant 77 year old and her soon-to-be groom is 78. We discussed all of the normal wedding planning & decorating check list & I got to know her in the hour that we sat. After she left, I realized how lucky I was to have met this remarkable lady. In the wedding business, the majority of the brides I meet are in their twenties & some as "late" as in their thirties. Many of which are just starting out with either the prospects of a new home or a new job & the excitement of a new husband with which to share a new life. But my bride this morning brought with her a rare excitement...one of wisdom and knowledge that only living life awards us. She spoke with fondness about her prospective husband & the eagerness to blend their lives together. She didn't dwell on color selection, flower choices, or seating charts but instead focused on how they could celebrate their happiness with those that they loved. Normally I provide "tips" for my brides, but this morning my bride provided me with the most important tip of all...when planning your special day don't focus on the unimportant... keep your love in the fore front and everything else will fall into place. Thank you "Fergie" for that gentle reminder!

Event Planning in Melbourne - Sticker Shock

2009-04-30T10:46:00.003-04:00

In light of today's economy, very few of us are experiencing stress-free spending. So, when planning a wedding, anniversary, bar mitzvah or a celebration to remind us that good things are ahead, we are mindful of costs and getting the most "Bang for our Buck". As an event planner, I am my clients' conscientious consumer and I am there to guide them to options that cost less. Here's a tip...,flowers eat up a huge portion of any decorating budget so when picking flowers keep with seasonal blooms & the bigger the flower, the more visual volume and the fewer stems used. Also, when choosing linens avoid the specialty linens & stick to standard polyester cloths that come in a huge assortment of colors. Other price considerations are deliveries and after-hour late-night pickups. Accept help from family & friends. If no one has a truck, consider a local truck rental company...there are some truck rentals available for just $20 a day. They supply the truck & friends supply the muscle. Good Luck saving those extra dollars!

Event Planning in Melbourne - Your Wedding Colors

2009-04-22T13:16:00.007-04:00

Often times when brides come to me to discuss their color choices, I am surprised that they have not considered the colors of the season. This isn't to say that those colors are chiseled in stone but certainly can be inspirational when deciding on the hues. For example, a beautiful fall wedding could illustrate the richness of the harvest with its tones of ambers & oranges and a lovely spring wedding could exemplify new life with its pastels. Regardless of what colors you choose, remember to take a look outside at Mother Nature's color palette because she definitely has an eye for perfection. Here's a tip...don't always rely on nature to produce that "natural" look, especially where moss and leaves are concerned. Use only the store-bought kind on surfaces that your guests will touch, as "the real deal" often holds small (but hungry) bugs.

Event Planning in Melbourne - Fun Table Tops

2009-04-16T12:35:00.008-04:00

The fun of planning & designing Bar & Bat Mitzvahs is that the inner child can come out. I have learned not to take myself too seriously and I'm always ready for the unexpected! Smile & proceed to plan B, C or sometimes Z especially when planning a child's event. At this particular bar mitzvah, I had the pleasure of working with a wonderful young man and his parents. He was a die hard Yankee fan & wanted only baseball at his party. We used the jersey material that is used for baseball team's practice tees to serve as the overlay of the table. Foam bats formed the centerpiece with a 36" diameter baseball. Out of PVC we created the Yankee Stadium Fascade which adorned the perimeter of the room. Go Yankees! Eventfully yours, Betsy

Event Planning in Melbourne - Happy Guests Make a Fabulous Party

2009-04-16T12:20:00.007-04:00

If you are expecting out of towners for your upcoming event, here are some tips to help to keep them comfortable & happy. When planning an event, I make certain that my client's guests upon checking into the hotel, are greeted with a gift package. This will let them know how thankful you are that they chose to attend your special event. The package should include: an itinerary of the weekend's events; a map of the area; a list of your favorite eateries as well as a guide to local points of interest; a list of local hair salons & spas. I always include some midnights snacks such as: bottled water, mints, tea bags & if the event is in my home town of Melbourne, Florida, a box of Grimaldi's chocolate covered potato chips that we are now known for. Attach a welcome note for an extra-personal touch!

Event Planning in Melbourne - Signature Drinks

2009-04-16T11:56:00.004-04:00

At a recent fund raiser that raised monies for a cardiac care unit at a local hospital, I was fortunate enough to work with a group of people that were wonderful. They entrusted in me the task to turn an ordinary gymnasium into a upscale nightspot & the result was spectacular! One suggestion that I made was to introduce a signature drink at the event & the "Heartini" was born. As this is an annual event, guests will anticipate what next year's creation will be. Here's a tip...for a small intimate dinner party name the signature drink after the guest of honor. Your guests will most certainly enjoy!

Event Planning in Melbourne - Going the Extra Green Mile

2009-04-15T12:11:00.007-04:00

As an event planner & designer, my job is to keep an eye on costs and to be a good consumer for my client; but as a citizen of planet earth, I must be as eco-savvy as possible while not bruising my client's budget. Here's a tip...Going Green can be something as simply as using rental vases that you can return and they will be reused; using recycled paper products for your invitations, programs & guest cards; opting for locally grown flowers or offering take home, potted orchids that can continue to be enjoyed by your guests long after the event is over.

Often times, clients are concerned that they won't be able to afford a Green Event but I tell my clients that ethically, we can't afford to not go green!

Event Planning in Melbourne - Mixing Fashion with Floral

2009-04-15T11:11:00.009-04:00

At a recent Bridal Expo, I used a table topper that we coined "Couture Yourself" for a Bridal Couture theme. This is definitely for a future bride or any young woman who is a "fashionista" & is looking for a tabletopper who will definitely "wow" her guests. I mixed fashion with floral to create this fabulous centerpiece. I used an old seamstress mannequin and created the top of the gown with white carnations and pinned tulle at the bottom to create the skirt. The dress was also adorned with rhinestones and pink & white strands of pearls to create the belt. If I was creating this look for many tables, I would stretch those budgetary dollars by incorporating other fashion ideas on some tables and not use the mannequins on every table. This will not only save dollars but add interest.

Event Planning in Melbourne - Satisfy all of the Senses

2009-04-14T11:36:00.005-04:00

The best events should arouse every sense. The space should look fabulous, should smell delicious, should introduce great textures to feel luxurious and should have music playing from the moment your guests arrive. Beware of the "Kiss of Death"....at a recent function that I attended but was not involved in the event design, guests start arriving to a room that was dead silent. Immediately the guests were made to feel that they arrived too early and were incredibly uncomfortable for the remainder of the evening. So if the entertainment is not scheduled to begin until after cocktails, make sure arrangements are made for some type of music to be playing as guests arrive.

Here's a tip....if the kitchen is far from the guest area & you can't enjoy the smells coming out of the kitchen, aromas such as scented candles and potpourri help create an ambiance that will entice your guests. A quick and easy recipe for citrus potpourri is: Slice fresh lemons and oranges with cloves and cinnamon sticks, place in a pot and simmer over a low heat. The wonderful aroma will permeate the entire space & guests will most certainly enjoy!

Event Planning in Melbourne - Creativity Can Come Cheap

2009-04-11T20:28:00.002-04:00

Creativity doesn't have to cost big dollars. Here's a tip for you....try a little food coloring! At a recent bridal shower that I was hired to be the event decorator, I used very tall cylinder vases to decorate the tables and to house the beautiful flowers that the hostess requested. Because it was a spring shower, I wanted to introduce all of the colors of the season so instead of filling the cylinders with plain water, I added a drop of food coloring in each vase to create a rainbow of colors and topped them with bands of ribbons. The effect was lovely! The guests were amazed at the effect & the client was so pleased that her special bridal shower is definitely one that will be remembered.