Hot new vendor to watch: CURATE!

Here's one new vendor that I have been so excited to blog about; introducing...CURATE decor + design, Honolulu's newest provider of specialty rentals and event design!  While the company may be new, having formally launched operations earlier this year at the January Bridal Expo, the talented team consisting of Abner Aquino, Chris Salazar, and Jayson Antonio in fact represents more than 40 years of combined experience in design, creative installations, and client service.

Having seen a sampling of this group's work, I am confident that they will be helping to raise the bar when it comes to event design and decor in Hawai'i.  Their unique and noteworthy statement pieces along with their clean, impactful style and professional, carefully crafted presentation makes them one to watch.

Dome Chairs, featuring natural burlap, solid mahogany, and nail head trim

Some of the incredible statement pieces that the "curators" have hand-selected include the Dome Chair, Louis Ghost Chair, and Custom Boxwood which dress up a space, lending a certain air of distinction and fashion-forward sophistication.

Photo by Nick Pugay Photography

the iconic Louis Ghost Chair

Their approach to design is best stated by the team, "We believe the devil is in the details and we're obsessed with getting it perfect...we keep this in mind from our initial conceptualization to execution."

I can't wait to see more from this exciting and dynamic decor and design agency, and am looking forward to watching them take our industry to the next level!

Best wishes to the Curators, and happy planning!

Mona

neu events

(formerly known as "Weddings by Grace and Mona")

Wedding planning tip: prepare props for your engagement shoot

Bubbles convey a playful and light-hearted spirit...  Photo by amodophoto.

Engagement photos make a terrific way to commemorate a couple's engagement period prior to their wedding.  Traditional engagement shoots in Hawai'i take place in beautiful, outdoor settings.  Many couples will put special thought into their outfits for their shoot, but rather than just paying attention to the location and the attire, why not take it a step further?

Those that know this couple will easily recognize the popcorn as the groom's favorite snack.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

To personalize your engagement shoot, consider props which add action and/or personality to the photos.  Think about what makes you unique as a couple, and play upon that.  Some will even bring their favorite pet (aka "child") to the shoot.  It'll lend more character to the photos and provide a very contemporary feel to the images.

Red, helium-filled balloons add a splash of color and lend a cheery feel.  Photo by amodophoto.

Happy planning!
Mona
neu events
(formerly known as "Weddings by Grace and Mona")

Clear umbrellas make for cute props while leaving the focus on the couple.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

This Sunday: Gown Sale at the Bridal Boutique!

It is hard to believe how quickly costs mount when preparing for a wedding.  It seems there are just too many "must haves" and "cannot do withouts" for that special day.

Breaking news!  Here is a refreshing change - the chance to SAVE money on a wedding-related purchase!  This Sunday, The Bridal Boutique, located in Honolulu (O'ahu), Hawai'i, will host their Mid-Year Sale, featuring a whopping 40% off dresses!

In previous years, the salon was practically bursting at the seams on this one-day-only event, and this year promises to be another huge hit!  To be able to take advantage of the sale, the key is to pre-order the dresses and get slotted for a time on sale day, so that come Sunday, you are simply in to pay, and out thereafter to experience the satisfaction of having procured the dress - the holy grail of wedding trousseaus.

Charisse chose a stunning lace gown from The Bridal Boutique for her special day.  Photo by L'amour Photography.

Of critical importance is scheduling appointments, for the pre-sale consultation, and for payment on sale day, so be sure to call (808) 597-8893 to reserve your time slots.  The Bridal Boutique is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 10:00am - 6:00pm; and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am - 4:00pm and is located at 627 South Street, Suite 101 in Honolulu.

Happy Dress Shopping!

Mona

neu events

formerly known as Weddings by Grace and Mona

Escort Cards and Plated Meals for Weddings

Nothing says elegance quite like a formal, plated meal for a wedding reception.  Many couples opting for this often wish to offer a choice of entree to best cater to their guests' varied tastes and the best way to go about doing so, is to identify each guest's entree selection in advance.  For most seamless service on-site, many hotels and caterers will require some sort of indicator to cue their servers in to the guests' choices.

Here is an easy and effective way to do so: 

Banquet servers knew whether a guest had requested fish or beef by the color of the border on the escort card.  Escort cards by Emi Ink.  Photo by Visionari.

create color coded escort cards or place cards.  It serves as a quick way to inform the server of the guest's entree choice, and is equally decorative and functional, too.  Incorporate the wedding colors to make these cards coordinate with the rest of the stationery and the look of the wedding.

Here, the flower color identified the guests' choice in entree.  Escort cards by Something Blue.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

Happy Planning!
Mona
neu events
(formerly known as Weddings by Grace and Mona)