Productively Pinterest

Most people know what they like but have trouble visualizing the big picture. How will those centerpieces look with that linen? How will that lighting look in that venue? How will it all come together? Here is a tip for both planners and clients - Pinterest.

A little history for your next water cooler conversation: Work on Pinterest began in 2009 and was originally invitation-only. Later, the site made registration possible after an email request. On August 16, 2011, Time Magazine published Pinterest in its "50 Best Websites of 2011" column. In December of 2011, Pinterest entered the top ten social networks with 11 million total visits per week.

For those of you who don't currently have a Pinterest account, what are you waiting for? You can easily gain one by registering at http://www.pinterest.com/. It took a few days for my account to be ready, but since then I have been a pinning fanatic. Not sure how to use Pinterest? Don't worry. Not only is it fairly straightforward, but I'll give you a short tutorial.

Pinterest is essentially a social photo sharing website that allows you to create theme-based virtual collages. Pictures, otherwise known as "pins," show up on the homepage through a pin feed that takes into account timing of pin, re-pinning activity, "like" activity, comment activity and your personal interests based on the board/pinners you follow. You can label and create theme-based image boards (i.e. collages) that your followers can see. Pictures consist of subcategories including, but not limited to, art, design, DIY & crafts, fitness, food & drink, home decor, women's apparel, men's apparel, sports, wedding & events, etc. Not only can you pin pictures from the homepage, but you can also add pictures from the Internet using the "Pin It" button or as an image uploaded from your computer.

Pinterest is not only a wonderful way to procrastinate, but it can also be extremely productive in planning your event. (I love alliteration!) Next time you are meeting with a vendor but aren't able to eloquently speak your vision, show them your Pinterest board. Not only are pictures helpful, but a themed collage of your themed idea, stage decor, centerpieces, drapery, lighting, etc. would be beneficial to any vendor in an effort to make your vision a reality. So start pinning!

Warning: Pinterest is highly addicting.

Say Yes To The Dress And Pay For It Yourself

We have all watched TLC's "Say Yes To The Dress," falling in love with Kleinfeld's fashion expert, Randy, and the gorgeous bridal gowns alike. I plead guilty to spending hours in front of the TV watching these girls fork over thousands upon thousands of dollars on a dress they will only wear once. So when did this bridal gown fascination begin? According to Becker's Bridal, back in the 1930s and 1940s, it usually took a bride an hour to find a dress. (Imagine that!!) The bridal consultant would offer three choices and the bride would happily chose the best one. By the 1990s, however, brides began long shopping excursions, as they didn't want the fun to end. Now, according to TLC, some brides will try on hundreds of gowns before finding that perfect fit.

As the time it took to chose a gown grew, so did the budgets. After World War II, not only did shoulder pads get bigger, but so did the wedding budgets. "In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor, starring in 'Father of the Bride,' and Grace Kelly, marrying a prince, helped usher in fairytale weddings." According to the American Wedding Study conducted last year by Brides magazine, the average bride in the United States now spends $1,289 on a dress, up 20% since 1999. TV bridal shows, which often focus on more expensive gowns, have certainly played a part in the increased budgets. The growth in budgets has also occurred because more modern brides are paying for their own gowns. In the early days, brides neither had jobs nor the money to pay for their dress. Therefore, their parents chose and paid for the gown. But back then the dresses were also expected to be multifunctional, rather than one-time-only fashion statements. Women would dye or hem them for other important occasions. Nowadays, however, we try to ruin them as best we can for photo-ops. (See previous blog post about trashing the dress.) What a difference a few decades makes!

New Inventory That Will Elevate Your Event To The Next Level

Want to make your event stand out from the rest? Magic Moments has the answer! We custom-built six Interactive Tables and two Interactive Kiosks with the most up-to-date infrared technology. The capabilities are endless. In fact, we recently returned from a Google event in Washington, D.C. at 101 Constitution, a rooftop venue right across from the Capital. As you can see from the pictures, we completely customized each table for Google's brand. With enough time (at least 10 days), this is something that we can do for your event, whether it is social or corporate. From pictures of a bride and groom scrolling across the table to a company's logo, these tables are fully customizable. The kiosks are essentially a giant iPad and use two-touch technology. They also have a built-in camera and USB drive to offer a nearly immediate guest book. For the Google event, we actually turned one kiosk horizontally so that it could be used as a table. We then had a clear cutting board custom-built to fit on top of the screen. Guests were then able to play Fruit Ninja (yes, you read that correctly - they were able to actually play Fruit Ninja!) directly on the kiosk while a chef was simultaneously chopping fruit!!

The tables and kiosks are a hot commodity so call us today (214-688-9900) to place them on hold for your upcoming event!!

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

It's finally the time of year when it is APPROPRIATE to start celebrating the holidays. Yes, there are some people out there who decided to put up their trees and lights before Halloween, and we aren't judging. But for a company like Magic Moments Parties and Events, we like to celebrate every holiday to the max. After all, we have decor for them all!

We had our second annual tree lighting ceremony at the AT&T Performing Arts Center's Winspear Opera House last Friday. (For those of you who don't know, Magic Moments is the preferred in-house decor company at the AT&T Performing Arts Center!) The event began at 5pm and featured live performances of holiday music and dancing by local entertainment, a visit from Santa for photos, children's activities including arts and crafts, carriage rides, and, the piece de resistance, the lighting of the 30-foot Christmas tree in Sammons Park. The evening was a big success. For those of you who weren't able to make it, we hope to see you next year!

Say Cheese!

Looking for a location to take your family holiday pictures or for a no-hassle venue for your baby's portraits? Well, look no further! Here at Magic Moments Parties and Events, we are now offering our venue for pictures. Simply choose from our backdrop list, bring your family and have a great time! Don't forget a camera!

Balloon Wedding Gowns

Can't afford a Vera Wang wedding dress but still want the feeling of a one-of-a-kind gown? No problem, as long as you are willing to think outside the box. The catch? These couture dresses are not made of lace, satin or silk. In fact, they are made of balloons...hundreds of balloons! You've always pictured your big day to be perfectly blissful. You may even have imagined "floating" down the aisle. Well now that vision can be a reality! And I'm sure here at Magic Moments Parties and Events we could come up with the perfect decor to match your "out of this world" gown!

Not willing to take the chance of popping (literally) out of your dress on your big day? Balloon dresses don't have to be used solely for wedding purposes. Check out this video from the 2009 Balloon Fashion Show in Las Vegas, Nevada! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roBQfHPcOcA&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1

It's Finally Fall!

It's finally fall! The weather is starting to get cooler, the trees will soon change colors, the State Fair of Texas is in full swing, and the pumpkins are making their way into homes across the country. What does this mean for you? Well, two things. First, you need to start brainstorming ideas for your Halloween costume. Let's be original this year, people! Second, and most importantly, you need to begin thinking about your Halloween decorations. Luckily for you, we are experts when it comes to decor! Check out these pictures from a private residence we "dressed up" yesterday. These lucky recipients will have this spooky decor outside their house for the entire month of October! Jealous? Give us a call!