Engagement Party Checklist and Planning Ideas

This is a comprehensive engagement party checklist and some ideas to help in planning your engagement party.

Upon Engagement

* Engagement notice in newspaper, Facebook etc

* Arrange Engagement Party (easy to create an event in Facebook to invite your friends)
Engagement Party Checklist

* Date & Time (most Engagement Parties are held on a Saturday night, but a Sunday breakfast or brunch option is also a popular option. Always check any events held locally or nationally that may clash with your date, you don't want to find out you've chosen the football grand final - unless you want to include it in your theme!)

* Guest List (not usually as many guests as the wedding, but it's entirely up to you! Also don't forget about whether children can come)

* Location (usually a parent's home or your house, but venues can be great for fuss free entertaining, or even a River cruise!)

* Budget (it's hard not to get carried away when your excited by the wedding, but try and look at the entire amount you can afford and work backwards from there. For example if you have a $1200 budget and 40 people, then you have $30 per person, which will determine whether you can get catering etc.)

* Dress code - Casual/Formal/Black tie etc (remember to include on your invites)

* Theme & Color Theme (good time to introduce your wedding theme on a smaller scale and try out some ideas)

* Entertainment/Music (Hire a Band/DJ or even a jukebox)

* Food & Catering (another way to save money is to get guests to "bring a plate" instead of gifts, but there are many options such as a barbecue, or getting it catered for with a spit roast or cocktail style. Some caterers supply just platters of food, which can be a good option to "top up" what you may already be providing)

* Alcohol & Drinks (guests usually expect some alcohol, wine and beer are the most economical with some fruit juices. Also a good time to introduce a "signature cocktail" to be used at the wedding, or try a few out and get guests to vote on the best one!)

* Cake (to save money DIY, or enlist family or friends instead of a gift. Cupcakes are another option you can make yourself and freeze ahead of time, you can defrost them and decorate the day beforehand. Some bakeries allow you to buy "blank" cakes which will save the time in cooking and you can just decorate and ice. Fresh flowers are great for an instant and effective decoration on a cake)

* Invitations (a lot of people just email invites now, and you can get email templates or customisable printable invites from Etsy and Madeit, alternatively you can have them printed professionally)

* Decorations (add instant colour with balloons, most party shops can do custom helium designs quite economically, or hire your own cylinder, enlist some friends and do them yourself depending on your climate the later you have to do the balloons, the hotter the less time they last. Try to do your decorating the day before, it's also important that if the party is at night to see what the venue is like then, you may need to add in some hire fairy lights, uplights under trees, candelabras and bamboo torches etc to set the mood. Another option is flowers in vases, you can often buy in bulk at market sellers, and just sprinkling masses of rose petals around tea light candles on tables, gardens and the driveway can make a cost effective but amazing impact. Most party shops have disposable plates, crockery and cutlery which will make cleaning up a lot easier too! )

* Gifts (consider how far away from the wedding the party is, as you don't want to impose on guests too often. If you are already set up in your house, money in lieu of gifts is OK to ask for on your invitations. Guests will need some direction so making it easier for them on the invite is the best way, donation to a charity is another option)

* Organise any Hire items - such as tables, chairs, lighting, crockery & cutlery etc. (Party hire places have many options that you might not be aware of such as small, good for rain marquees, carpet runners for your entrance, archways, vases, lighting, eskies, fabric draping etc for decorating. Most have a price list you can download or get them to email you so you can find out all your options before purchasing items)

* Videographer/Camera (ask a few guests who have video cameras if they would mind videoing through the night, try and follow up with friends afterwards for photos. It can be a great regret later in life that you didn't capture everything that you wanted to on the night. If you budget allows a videographer can be a great way to capture memories. If you've found your photographer already for the wedding, a lot of them offer engagement photos as part of a package which can be great for invitations and keepsakes as well)

* Games/activities (depending on your guests and venue you can add in some fun activities such as wine and cheese tasting, karaoke machine, Trivia contests, Twister, Wii or PlayStation contests etc. If this is the first time your families are meeting, then you might just have to gauge the night as it goes along, but it's always good to have something preplanned if you may need to "break the ice". Don't expect to do everything you've thought of, but you might be surprised at how happy guests are to indulge in some fun once they've had a few drinks!)

* Contingency Plan (If your party is outside you may need extra cover for rain, or to move to a completely different venue. You can check the previous year's weather at the Bureau of Meteorology, but always be prepared no matter if it's "never rained that time of year")

* Do a run sheet (all event organisers have run sheets which is basically a time line of what's happening when, it also includes all your suppliers and contact details and numbers on one page of all the relevant and involved people. You will need an overall run sheet that has each item listed on a table with two columns, one for whether it's been organised and the second for confirmation and payment. A run sheet for the week and day leading up to the event is handy also (depending on how involved your party is). If you have friends/family doing (delegated!) certain things for you it's good to give them a checklist of their own if they have multiple things to do.)

For example:

1 week out - bake cake and freeze, clean driveway, hair cut, check RSVPs etc.
Day before - decorate cake, pick up hire items, check weather forecast, get flowers, set up lighting and check that night etc
Day of (this list needs to include the time as well) - Pick up balloon decorations, put drinks on ice, set up tables and chairs etc.

The easiest way to make a run sheet is to literally look at each item on your list and work out what needs to be done in relation to it - for example -

* Venue (Mum and Dad's house) -
1. Clean patio
2. Get Dad to fix the gate
3. Draw up lighting plan give to Brother
4. Put flowers and extra toilet paper in bathroom etc

* Me -
1. Find a dress and accessories to wear
2. Get hair done
3. Take emergency kit to Mum and Dad's (makeup, hairspray etc)

Notes - If you are doing a lot of the setting up yourself make sure you allow time to have a shower and freshen up before your guests arrive, and don't forget to eat and hydrate! If budget allows a Event Organiser is always a good option, but ensure you have solid ideas on what you want beforehand to save you money. A "mood board" of pictures you've found, cut out and placed on some pages to give them a visual idea of what you want also is a great help. You may find that family and friends want to "say a few words" at your Engagement Party, make sure you talk to those people first to ensure there aren't any surprises on the day. Most of all have fun, and see this as a "dress rehearsal" to the next exciting event - your wedding!

How Can You Arrange a Meeting at a Very Short Notice?

Well, many a times, you might face the situation when you need to organize a meeting within an extremely short time. For example, you just can't help it when your boss calls up on a Friday and tells you to fix a meeting on Monday! To worsen your condition, you find the guests' list really long, consisting at least of a hundred or more invitees.

I know how difficult it is to arrange a meeting at such a short notice. You have to quickly send invitations to all your guests, requesting them to attend the event. In case, your boss wants you to host a public event, for example a fundraising concert where anyone and everyone can participate, you have to promote the same in various ways to sell all your tickets and gain higher attendance.

However, you can always come out of this situation in a triumphant way, if you resort to an online solution. These web-based solutions will help you meet all your needs in a beautiful manner. Online solutions have gained tremendous popularity because of the following reasons.

Easy Registration

Online event management solution does wonder in beautifully managing both private as well as public events. Especially, public events can be organized in a very successful way using an online event management solution. All the year round, different small and large organizations keep on hosting fundraisers to support a cause. In case you happen to own an organization or are working for a nonprofit, you can get hold of a web-based event management service to raise money through easy registration and payment transferring facilities. You can collect money on any day from any person residing at any location of the world once you start using the Cloud-based registration and management solutions.

Collect Money Easily

One of the prime reasons for organizing these fundraising concerts is to collect as much funds as possible. Online fundraising tools help you raise lump sum amount at no extra cost! Your donors can easily pay through a simplified process of submitting donations and pledges. You can seamlessly handle your donor database through an online member management application. Moreover, many online solutions come with a private community management system that allows you to share fundraising information and interact with persons by setting up a secured private community only for the members.

Provides Powerful Communication and Marketing Tools

Online event management solutions also offer communication tools in the form of emails, invitations, and RSVPs. You can send invitations to your target audience asking them to be present on the event day. You can use the marketing module to offer special discounts, promo codes, and gift cards to visitors who wish to attend your occasion.

4 Steps to Follow While Undertaking an Email Marketing Campaign for Your Events

The much hyped about social media platforms have forced event organizers to set aside traditional, powerful means of event promotion and take on a modern approach to online advertising. Email marketing is one such effective method that can lead to efficient event promotions. Though, it might sound like an old school marketing method in this social media era, it is still considered a frontrunner when it comes to sending direct messages or an exclusive invitation. Executing a successful email marketing campaign is simple if you keep few things in mind like sharing valuable information, adding value and avoid spamming.

In this article, I have outlined a few tips that will help you to undertake your email marketing campaigns successfully.

Preparing a List and Choosing an Appropriate Timing

Even before you think of making a head start with an email marketing campaign, prepare a list recipients that you would like to target. Based on the type of event that you are hosting, you must also choose an ideal time to send out your message or invitations. If you are organizing a large event then you can start with an early 'save the date' email campaign as it will give your prospective attendees the date on which the event will be hosted. They can block the same on their online diaries or calendars. Emailing this information early on will have a direct impact on your ticket sales.

Deciding On the Content

You need to decide on what you want to promote via your email. Planning beforehand actually helps. Make the content interesting and engaging by adding insider information relevant to your events. It will help in quenching the insatiable curiosity within most people. While delivering such information you must be careful and diligent enough to send information that holds some relevance to your recipients. Information that you think may be relevant is sometimes considered unnecessary by others; so choose judiciously.

Resorting to an Automated Email Marketing Tool

Nowadays, there is a number of Cloud-based software that helps in effective streamlining of the various events related administrative tasks. Such software facilitates organizers with an email marketing tool that enables email blasts of individual invitations, reminders, or newsletters to thousands of contacts. It can even assist in tracking the success of your email marketing campaign by monitoring the email open rates.

Sending Repeated Reminders without Spamming

It is quite obvious that all of your recipients will not check their mails as soon as they are sent. Out of thousands of emails sent, may be 20-50% of your recipients will make an effort to check it on first receipt. It is therefore important for you to send repeated reminders from time to time. However, make sure that you don't send them too many emails with lousy content which may lead to spamming and force people to even take a look at what your mail is all about.

With proper strategy an email marketing campaign can lead to maximum exposure for your events.

A Guide to Successful Exhibition Planning

As with any organised event which involves schedules and deadlines, the planning and execution of an exhibition takes a lot of coordination and dedication in order for it to be successful. There are various steps that need to be completed in order for the exhibition to run smoothly, the majority of which are based around the exhibition planning team and coordinator. Exhibitions are primarily aimed at sharing something with a wider community, be it art, motor vehicles, music technology or lingerie. It is therefore essential that the aim and vision of the exhibition be clear and precise, in order to reach the target audience with full effect.

Steps in the preliminary planning of an exhibition should include:

* Setting up of an Exhibition Planning Committee.

* Accurate Budget Planning.

* Selection of an appropriate site venue.

* Negotiating agreements and contracts with all the necessary parties.

* Sourcing exhibitors and/or speakers relevant to the theme of the exhibition.

* Planning the program

* Executing the exhibition plan

The first and most logical step in exhibition planning is assembling a team of people who have the necessary skills and experience. Optimally these people should all be great team players, who can work responsibly and on their own initiative, whilst also carrying other people's interests at heart. It is good practice to make the size of your planning committee relevant to the scale of your exhibition. Having an understaffed committee can lead to stress and half completed work, while an oversized committee will lead to a lack of organisation and indecisiveness.

Once you have assembled your team, the next step is to appoint an exhibition coordinator. This role requires a great amount of responsibility, as most of the executive decisions will come down to the coordinator's discretion. You will need somebody with good organisational skills, is a good communicator of ideas, has a great eye for detail and can function well under stressful situations. Depending on the size of your exhibition, it might be necessary for the coordinator to appoint administrative staff or a secretary to deal with the extra administrative and clerical tasks.

An exhibition budget should be prepared through a thoughtful process involving the sponsor, planning committee and coordinator. The coordinator should be in full control of the budget, for if payments are approved by someone other than the coordinator, it will be difficult to hold him/her accountable for expenditures. A budget should not be seen as a financial document, but rather as a planning and management control document. It is a listing of all anticipated expenses, funding sources and projected revenue. Part of preparing a conference budget requires compiling a split folio. This is a division of expenses which lists the charges covered by the conference master account and individual guest charges, if there are to be any.

One of the most important aspects in planning an exhibition is choosing a suitable venue. This should be arranged as early in the planning process as possible in order to avoid any last minute nightmares. The more time you give yourself to choose a site, the better your options will be. Your site should be located as centrally as possible with regards to your target audience. It is pointless having a textiles exhibition in the central business district, just is it is pointless having a technology fair in the countryside. Choosing the appropriate venue also has an influence on the overall theme and furnishings which you might use in your exhibition, so an early decision will make consequent planning more streamlined.

It is generally regarded good practice to enter into a formal contract agreement with the venue. The process of reaching this agreement may take time, but it will ensure that both parties will be protected against any unexpected changes in plan. It would be dreadful to be notified one week before the exhibition that you have been double booked because no formal documents were signed and the venue manager completely forgot about the conversation you had over the specified dates. It is also important to remember that negotiations should be handled professionally, as both parties want to gain maximum benefit from any arrangement.

Setting an appropriate theme for the show is very important, as it will eventually determine what image the public have of the exhibition. Choose one that is in line with the material you are exhibiting. An 'under the sea' experience will not bode well with potential invitees to a car show, but will perhaps draw more attention if used to market an exhibition on new children's toys or a pet show.

Next in the planning process is finding potential exhibitors to take part in your show. Sending out personal invitations is probably the most effective way to go. You can also advertise your intention to hold an exhibition in the early planning months, but this needs to be done amongst the social or industry circles relevant to your kind of exhibition. As an exhibition is primarily about marketing, finding willing participants should not be too much of a problem if the proper methods are used. In addition, in fields such as music or art, where there is an abundance of people jostling to display there works, you might need to do a certain amount of vetting in order to make sure your exhibitors meet the exact criteria for your exhibition.

Ultimately you want to draw as many people to your exhibition as possible, and a sure-fire way of increasing the amount of interest in your show is to offer a diverse range of activities. Offering seminars or interactive workshops is a great marketing technique to involve people who would normally be put off by the prospect of just going to an exhibition to look at stuff. Be sure to source speakers who will be able to deliver dynamic presentations on the relevant topics.

Publicity is of utmost importance in the planning of an exhibition. Use as many channels as are accessible to you. The internet is a very powerful marketing tool, and should be exploited to its maximum. Make sure you have an up to date website which is instantly identifiable with your theme and purpose. Furthermore, make use of show invites and advertisements, promotional gifts, flyers, brochures, visitor and press packs, staff badges, stand backdrops and signage, and internal documents and communications. Ensure that your supporting web pages and email address are listed on every single communication item used for the show. If possible, advertise the exhibition in local magazines and newspapers, as well as radio.

Once you have done all your preparation of advertising, budgeting and sourcing participants, it is time to plan the actual show and execute it. Planning of the show plays an important role, and should be coordinated carefully, because once a schedule is formed, great confusion can result if it is not adhered to. You might plan certain talks or workshops to coincide with specific days of the exhibition, and if these are unclear or mixed up, they might completely lose there desired effect, and end up just being a waste of time and money. Changes are sometimes unavoidable, but make sure that if a change has to be made to the schedule, that it is well publicised. During the exhibition it is important to make good use of signs; this ensures that visitors and exhibitors never become disorientated with their surroundings. During the exhibition, the coordinator's time is in great demand. Delegation plays a key role in the smooth running of an exhibition, but is worth nothing without a well trained and informed group of staff members.

Once the show is complete, conducting some kind of evaluation will be very valuable in giving you an idea of what can be improved on in future events. The most common type of evaluation is to create a survey form. This can consist of yes/no questions, or wherein the various levels of satisfaction can be indicated, from low to high. It is worth noting that two separate evaluation forms can be set up, one to delve the interests of the exhibitors, and the other that of the visitors.
And with that you have completed your exhibition! With the correct planning and dedication it can be an informative and exciting experience for all those concerned, and with the steps set out above you should have no problem achieving this.

How Much Should I Pay for a Band at My Event?

When faced with the daunting task of choosing a band for your event, the choices seem to be endless, even more so, complicated. Its almost like nothing makes any sense. Make sure that you choose a band that is in the right category for the type of party you are having. Category you say? What does that mean? Isn't a band just a band? Are there really categories? Yes of course there are categories for bands, just like there are categories for many things... For example, lets say you want to rent a comedy to watch with you wife tonight, you wouldn't look at movie titles from the Horror section! And if you are having a party for your wedding reception you should be looking at bands that perform in the wedding category, makes sense right? But how do you know the difference? Its simple, see what category the band is in, and make sure they are the right fit for you... So let's explore the different types of categories starting from the lower end moving our way up to the higher end.

Category 1: Hobby Bands

These bands play for fun, mostly on weekends for their friends or family. They don't have a dress code, their gear is usually lower end, and the songs they play are typically ones that equal their level of ability. These bands aren't very career minded; don't have websites or promotional material, however they can be entertaining. They typically will jam at a party rather then put on a show for an audience. These bands are happy to show up and play for free, and if you throw in a case of beer they will love you for it!

Category 2: Bar Bands

Under this category there are 3 separate levels of bar bands that you're going to come across.

Level 1 Bar Bands:

This level is at a lower end for the bar band category. These acts are typically a soloist or duo that perform with backing tracks (pre-recorded music) or they can be just an acoustic player. They can also be a piano player or a combination. These types of acts play in smaller bars usually from 25 people up to 100 depending on the venue and the type of act. At this level a soloist may charge anywhere from $50 up to $300 if they are really good and can work with a larger audience. A duo may charge anywhere from $100 up to $400 depending on how well they can work an audience and bring patrons into the venue. These acts usually have a tip jar and take requests. There is not a great deal of pressure at this level and often these acts are easy going and work at their own pace. It can be hit and miss at this level, as some are outstanding, while others are just blend into the background while you enjoy a beer and burger at your local watering hole.

Level 2 Bar Bands:

At this level you will typically find bands in the size of a three piece and up to a five piece. These bands are a little bit more professional, they take a little more pride in how they dress and perform. Not that the "level 1" Bar Bands don't, however there is a variant of professionalism at this level then the lower one. The bands at this level will typically earn anywhere from $300 up to $1200 per night depending on their experience and their ability to work an audience. Also, their price can reflect on how busy the bar gets as well. These bands may have there own PA and Lights, however it will usually be to accommodate the type of venue which may hold 75 up to 150 guests. It should also be noted that a lot of venues at this level do have their own PA and Lights so this is more attractive to some bands, who don't want to make the financial investment to purchase their own equipment. It is at this level that the majority of people have experienced when seeing a band live, and when making a decision on choosing a band for their event. These bands can be easily found playing nightly. It's important to also mention that the vast majority of these bands are weekend part time players. They usually have day jobs or teach to supplement their income. Only a small percent of bands at this level perform full time, and in this case, may be more professional minded. It's important to also note that the majority of bands in this category are more focused on themselves, meaning, the show is all about them, and not the audience. Though, most people associate the theory of " a band is just a band" to this category, because this is the only type of band (level) they have ever really experienced. However like the movie title example earlier, there is much more available beyond your local bar band, which takes us to the next level...

Level 3 Bar Band:

This level of bar band is greatly associated with Tribute or Clone bands. Other bands at this level are specialty bands that perform music of a specific era. These bands are typically very professional and have taken the time to produce quality promotional material including videos. These acts don't play every night, however they can be found on special evenings such as a Birthday party, Halloween, or other special occasions. They will usually charge anywhere from $800 and go as high as $2,500 per night depending on how elaborate there show costumes and performance is. You may see at this level acts such as The Beatles Shows, or Elvis etc...

Category 3 Corporate Event Bands;

Corporate Event Bands? Aren't they the bands you see in the bars? NO! These skilled bands perform at Corporate Parties, Conventions, Fund Raisers, Festivals, etc... These bands usually work with specific agents or management. They are very well organized, usually always have their own PA and Lighting, dress and coordinate at a much higher level then the previous levels. They can handle logistics of equipment, travel and their promotional material is top quality. So how come you don't see corporate bands around? Well, because the events these bands perform are NOT open to the general public, this is why so many people don't even know they exist. However there are a large number of these bands around. They are business minded, and usually full time performers that have their own companies and some even cover them for health insurance. These bands can easily manage the flow of the evening, deal with special requests, and work with high pressure/profile situations. These bands are usually masters at controlling a room full of people. At this level there is no margin for error while performing, and these bands can smoothly make an event spectacular. These bands can charge anywhere from $2500 and up to $10,000 or more per night depending on the size of the group, and type of client looking to hire for the event.

Category 4 Wedding Bands:

Bands at this level have a higher level of investment on their part. They all have websites of great quality, own their own PA and Lighting, dress sharp, and are very well organized. They understand why they are hired for a wedding and create the proper atmosphere for the bride. They completely understand that there is no margin for error, and these bands take a great deal of time in rehearsing and managing the flow of the night making the bride and groom's night magical. There can be a higher level of pressure at this level because it's a once in a lifetime event, and everything must be right the first time! The sound must be great. These bands understand that the party is not about them, but about the families uniting and celebrating the joy between two people deeply in love. Bands at this level can handle complicated requests and will deal with brides and wedding planners in a very professional manner. Wedding bands charge anywhere from $3,200 to $10,000 or more per night, depending on the size of the band, their experience and ability to provide the desired environment. You can find bands in a 4 piece and even as high as a 12 piece or even higher! Remember if your getting a band that is cheaper, its not because they are a wedding band at a lower price, its because they're probably a bar band charging a higher price. It's important to know that the band you choose can provide the right atmosphere for the two uniting families, and not provide a bar band environment for your favorite niece or your silver haired grandma...

Category 5 Original Bands:

These bands, as you have already guessed, write their own music and will go out and play clubs, parties, festivals and anywhere else that people can be exposed to there music. Some also play cover songs, however there primary focus is to get their music heard. They focus on building a following so they can sell their own CD's and merchandise. These types of bands will earn anywhere from zero dollars to thousands depending on how popular they are. These bands are entrepreneurs and innovators of music, it's with much sacrifice that these bands endure and making it to the top, is certainly no easy task.

Category 6 Record Label Bands:

This to some is the holy grail of status in the music industry. These bands can be signed to recording contracts with major record labels giving the artists a significant income and fame. These bands have music videos, CD's, and tour extensively at major venues including arenas and stadiums. These bands can charge anywhere from $8,000 up to tens of thousands a night! Not bad for a nights work, however, it does come at the expense of a lifetime of preparation! It's important to note that not all recording label bands become rich and famous, it's the bands business side that may need professional consulting.

So, if you want the right band for your event, choose from the right category and you will know exactly what you are getting. When talking to a band notice the price range they offer, this will be an indication of the type of category they are in. Do you really want a hobby band performing at your next corporate event? How about a level 2 bar band at your wedding reception? Many clients have been overjoyed from there choice of a band at there party, while others who have focused solely on cost have not chosen wisely only to have there event turn in to a disaster. Seek out the right fit for your event and you'll be just fine!

Good luck!

Peter Khan is a highly acclaimed entertainer who has been performing throughout the world for over two decades. He is the Music Manager for the wedding and corporate event band, ELITE.

info@eliteshowband.com

http://www.eliteshowband.com

Make the Most of Your Corporate Golf Outing at Any Budget

The season has arrived for outdoor activities, summertime fun, and one of America's favorite corporate sports, golf. Over the past ten years, the occurrence of corporate golf outings has declined as budgets decreased and corporate spending was put to a halt. However, we are finally seeing a rebuilding relationship between the golf industry and corporate America. In 2011, promotional golf item sales were up 6%* and are continued to grow. The one-on-one face time provided by golf outings and tournaments with clients, and the opportunity for employee team building are valuable experiences that only golf can provide.

The way to truly maximize the impact of any golf outing is to incorporate promotional items into the event. Complementing a golf experience with branded merchandise ensures the goodwill and memory of the event will continue to make an impression long after the event is over. Everyone from big budget corporate entities to smaller community businesses can use golf events to boost business and build their brand. Regardless of an organization's size or budget, there are promotional items at various price points that can enhance both an event and a brand.

Below are some great ideas for promotional golf items at various price points.

Budget-Friendly (Under $5)
For those who truly need a budget-friendly item, there are value-priced options that can still make an impression. Every golfer can use tees and divot tools on the green, and a water bottle or can coolie to help quench their thirst on the fairway. These are inexpensive items that can be used as mass giveaways before, during, or after your event.

Conservative ($5-$10)
In the lower priced range, there are some options with a higher perceived value that can be given to event attendees as thank you for attending. Consider giving a ditty bag with a thank you note inside or with drink tickets for a post-golf dinner or happy hour. Or give out golf towels, bag tags or hats upon registration that attendees can use while on the course and take home after play is over.

Mid-Range ($10-$25)
Some of the most popular golf event items fall in the mid-range price arena. Apparel is always a great option, and it gives your brand much exposure. Apparel can range from t-shirts to golf shirts, to windbreakers. The most recent trend in golf apparel is moisture-wicking fabrics. Coolers, duffels and shoe bags are also popular options. They are useful, easy to transport, and can double as packaging for other event-related gifts.

Premium (Over $25)
Merchandise in the premium category can be used as attendee gifts, prizes or auction items, starting at $25 and ranging over the hundred dollar mark. The most common premium giveaway is a golf umbrella. An extra golf umbrella can always come in handy and when you pull one out on a rainy day, you will definitely remember who gave it to you. Other ideas include golf bags, premium golf balls and even watches.

As golf events become more popular, golf-related items will continue to evolve. Whatever route you take with your next golf event, make sure your attendees don't leave empty handed, and the items they leave with prominently showcase your logo.

*PromoMarketing, March 2012

Wedding Decorating Ideas Using White Wedding Decor

As a wedding event planner, it is always fun to unexpectedly come across a wedding or special event being set up. Recently, I was traveling in Spain and our hotel had one of the most beautiful outdoor wedding locations I had ever seen. I saw that they were hosting this wedding using white wedding decor which of course sparked the idea for this blog that describes various wedding decorating ideas.

First let's discuss outdoor wedding locations and why this site in particular stood out as one of the prettiest I have ever seen. Situated on the Mediterranean, the St. Regis Resort has a stunning view of the ocean from their large lawn where the wedding was held. They also have a path with bougainvillea archways that is beautiful for bride and groom pictures.

Other wonderful hotel features in respect to fabulous outdoor wedding locations is the grand patio where cocktails were held. This terrace is located just off of the main bar of the hotel and is beautifully furnished with outdoor furniture. Therefore, you can save some money and not bring in any of your own furniture.

Finally, as a wedding event planner, I felt completely at ease speaking with the catering department as they were setting up the event, and I got the sense that the hotel is very accommodating and understands the task at hand in making the wedding day special for the bride and groom. In addition, the food and service I experienced at the hotel were among the best I have had at any hotel.

Now for some wedding decorating ideas I picked up while watching the hotel set up the white wedding decor for this wedding.

* Use smaller tents and put them together creating individual spaces or rooms versus one large tent. Plus the bonus of using smaller tents is that you can leave off one corner and create an outside lounge or dancing area.

* Keep costs down with your lounge by using just votive candles on the coffee tables or simple white Cymbidium orchids in votive glasses.

As a wedding event planner, I really liked the idea that they used sand as filler for the flower vase instead of colored glass or rocks. This is a great white wedding decor idea incorporating the location with the wedding.

Other wedding decorating ideas include:

* Use different types of flowers and vases on the tables for an eclectic look and a contrasting color such as black for an accent color.

* Cover the chairs with white chair covers to give a clean and uniform style to the event.

* Bring in some fun decor pieces like these 2' diameter-sized large round candle holders and intersperse them around the reception area.

I hope you found these wedding decorating ideas interesting and can possibly incorporate them with your white wedding decor. As I mentioned above, the hotel in Mardavall was spectacular and I would consider one of the prettiest outdoor wedding locations I have seen. Until next time, remember the Budget Bash mantra: make it simple, delicious, stylish, fun & economical to all!