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

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!!!!

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

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

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"

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

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

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