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favorite venues of Los Angeles

2/22/2019

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By Hannah McCarthy
Sales Manager
Los Angeles has become a hub for weddings and special events. It holds some of the most eclectic venues we’ve seen.  From intimate garden weddings to a large concert, you are sure to find a venue perfect for your occasion!
Millwick
Once used as a livery and later a storage warehouse, Millwick has been reinvented into a beautiful loft for weddings, special events, and productions. This 7,000 square foot venue can accommodate up to 175 guests. It is located in the middle of the Arts District in Los Angeles and considers itself to be a “green” venue. At Millwick, you can have an indoor or outdoor event, complete with a jungle-like grand hall, 2 gardens, 2 cozy lounges that can be used as dressing rooms, and The Fondrevay-a space to let your imagination run.

Website: www.marvimon.com/millwick
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SmogShoppe
As you could guess, this venue was originally a smog-check center in the 1980’s. It is now a 6,500 square foot indoor/outdoor venue that can provide space for 150 person garden ceremonies and formal dinners as well as 250 person cocktail parties filled with desert plants and vintage furniture. The SmogShoppe is located in the heart of Culver City, close to Santa Monica, LAX, and Hollywood. This venue includes a quaint garden, a grand hall with elevated ceilings, a cinema/DJ space, magic closets, and a private dressing area.

Website: www.marvimon.com/smog-shoppe
Valentine
This venue spreads to 9,000 feet of “green” space for large gatherings and events. It previously has been used as a hotel, brothel, an oyster company, a location for glass blowing and marijuana growing. Valentine is as unique as its history! It is located in downtown Los Angeles and can accommodate up to 750 guests. It holds an entryway full of sculptural art, a tropical dining room, a starlit veranda, a bar composed of cinder cone, and a private hideaway.

Website: www.marvimon.com/valentine
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The Unique Space
Sitting in a historic old factory, The Unique Space considers itself to be the home to innovation, creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. It offers a fresh workspace with offices and one of LA’s newest event spaces that can seat up to 250 guests. The Unique Space is made up of exposed brick, high ceilings, wood floors, and locally created decor, connecting it to the community. Including a rooftop patio, 2 grandrooms, a marble bar, and an open-vendor policy, this venue is the fantasy for every modern L.A. couple.   

Website: www.theuniquespace.com
440 Seaton
440 Seaton prides itself on being able to host a multitude of events. Previously used as an indoor lumberyard, its scope of services sweeps wedding, parties, concerts, films, commercial productions, and large scale exhibitions. Reaching 10,000 square feet, it can fit 1,700 standing and 600 table-seated guests. This space being composed of 50 ft. ceilings, a saw tooth roof, wood/concrete flooring, and a freight elevator can be used to create the memorable event of your dreams.

Website: 440seaton.com/details   
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Aren’t these spaces beautiful? Los Angeles offers some of the most eclectic venues for weddings and special events! Let us know if you have any questions about these venues or our experience working their. Cheers!
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fun ways to display your seating chart

2/15/2019

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By Hannah McCarthy
Sales Manager
Find your seat and bon appetit! The reception can be the most fun part of the wedding for your guests. It can also be the most awkward. Every wedding is unique and so are the relationships of the people present. Some guests might be close friends and some might not like each other. Family can be great, but sometimes those relationships are strained. Some of your guests might be the life of the party, but some might not know anyone else there. Making a seating chart for your reception can help everyone have a blast on your big day! If you have members of your family at odds with each other, put them at two different tables. If you have a friend there that does not know anyone, place them with an outgoing and inclusive table.

​One of the things you will need to do is communicate seating arrangements with your guests. Having a seating chart at the front of the reception will give your guests direction! You can get creative and have fun with your seating chart. Below are a few of our favorite seating charts!
Picture Frame + Chicken Wire
This picture is two ideas combined! We’ve seen couples use picture frames and chicken wire, but never together. If you want to make the chart more simple, pick one. To change it up, add a few frames with pictures of you and your new spouse. We love this idea!
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Source:
​https://www.theknot.com/real-weddings/vintage-picture-frame-seating-chart-photo 
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Wine Bottles
A wine bottle seating chart can go with any wedding theme! There are so many unique wine bottles that they can be used as is for the chart. To add a fresh touch, place a flower or greenery inside. Roses are an easy option because there are so many different colors that they go with almost anything.
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Source:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbdaCAklth-/
Hanging
The modern bride will love the hanging chart. For a streamlined look, use only the frame and seating cards. To give it a softer touch, add greenery. The beauty of this is that it is easy to make. Spray paint PVC pipes to match your wedding colors, print off the tags, hole punch them, and tie them with twine or ribbon.

Source:
https://paperandlace.com/2017/09/05/10-unique-mostly-easy-diy-seating-chart-ideas-for-your-wedding-reception/

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Window Frame
The window frame can fit any indoor or outdoor wedding! White molding will make it feel light for spring/summer and dark wood will make it feel warm for fall/winter. Pay attention to where the window is placed because anything behind it will show through. A plain backdrop behind it will ensure the names are legible.  


Source:
https://www.weddingchicks.com/blog/purple-and-gray-wedding-inspiration-l-12471-l-43.html
Wood
The wood option works for many brides because it so versatile. You can choose a light wood, dark wood, painted wood, distressed wood, and even clean wood. It won’t take much to make this fit into your wedding. One thing that’s unique about this board is that all the names are in alphabetical order. We have all had the experience of waiting in a long line simply because we could not find our names. Alphabetizing the names will help remedy this problem!

Source:
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https://www.etsy.com/listing/548811110/solid-wood-wedding-seating-chart-sign?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lp.d2.v1&share_time=1549990005000
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Each wedding is just as unique as your guests! Use these ideas to help you navigate the arrangement of your reception. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about how to setup your big day!
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how to host a galentine's day party on a budget

2/8/2019

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By Hannah McCarthy
​Sales Manager
What’s Galentine’s Day? “Oh, it’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13th my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.” Leslie Knope started a new holiday for women! Ladies have never needed a reason to celebrate one another and this exciting holiday encourages them to! Coming on the heel of Christmas and eve of Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day might come on the bottom of your financial priority list. Even though you’re working on a tight budget, you can still throw a great party for your ladies!
Decor    
One way to save money is by being purposeful with your decorations. Make sure everything that you are using contributes to your vision for the party. Use different shades of pink, red, and white to give your party a feminine touch! One cost effective way to decorate is with balloons. Scatter an abundance of balloons across the floor. To make a cute backdrop for your food table or photo booth, use rose gold heart balloons or one large balloon that says “XO.”

​Source:

https://www.inspiredherway.com/valentines-day-party-decorations/ ​
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Food
Of course for Galentine’s Day, you need to have some breakfast food! One great option is a waffle bar! Make sure to include toppings like strawberries, whip cream, chocolate chips, peanut butter, syrup, and powdered sugar! If you want to have other food options, use their shapes and colors to contribute to the decor. Similar to the balloons, use hearts, cute phrases, lips in pink, red, and white.

Source:

https://www.macys.com/ce/splash/its-all-about-martha?cm_mmc=mmg_social_org-_-pinterest-_-masID_campaign_marthastewartcollection_valentinesday-_-02052018_02112018

Drink
Mimosas are the drink of choice for the Galentine’s Day breakfast theme! For a sweet change, use strawberry, cranberry, and watermelon juice to make your drinks instead of orange juice. Martinelli’s can be used as a more cost effective alternative. Martinelli’s will also allow your non-drinking guest to enjoy the fun!


Source:
http://www.swankyrecipes.com/strawberry-cream-mimosa.html?crlt.pid=camp.6vTdFsAteQl1
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Entertainment
Movies are great entertainment for Galentine’s Day! When you send out your invites, ask your guests to vote on movies. This way everyone will be excited about the film that is playing. Of course your guests can always chat and socialize with the film in the background. Another activity your girls can do while watching the film is coloring. You can find some cute Galentine’s Day coloring printables on Pinterest.

Source:

https://www.lifehack.org/630257/100-inspirational-and-motivational-quotes-of-all-time-98-ap-pinterest-quotes​ 
Favors
There are so many cute favors for Galentine’s Day! One our favorites is a bag of chips with a small sign that says, “You’re all that and a bag of chips!” You can have have an assortment of chips depending on what your ladies like. Costco and Smart and Final are both great places to purchase small bags of chips in bulk!

​Source:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/494277756/watercolor-hand-lettered-youre-all-that?
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Include your Gals
If your gals are anything like mine, they would love to help and be involved! Include your girls in the planning and preparation process. This can be a special experience for you to share with them! If you have friends that want to cook, have them make heart-shaped cupcakes with pink frosting. If your friend loves to decorate, allow them to set up the space for your party.

Source:

http://www.theperfectpalette.com/2016/02/galentines-day-gala-with-tangerine.html
Who would’ve thought ladies celebrating ladies and breakfast food would make for such a fun party?! We hope this blog gave you some ideas to make your party special for your gals! The most important part of your party is to make sure your girls enjoy the night!
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fun cocktail garnishes

2/1/2019

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By Hannah McCarthy
Sales Manager
Cocktails are sure to liven up any party! Whether you are having a wedding, anniversary party, or corporate party, cocktails will help you and your guests celebrate! One easy way to bring some fun to your party is by selecting a typical cocktail and giving it a custom name for your event. Another way to make your cocktail special for your event is by using a unique garnish. There are a few garnish ideas that we want to share with you!
Lollipops
Use a lollipop garnish for your fruity or sweet cocktail. These are great for a ladies night, birthday party, or bridal shower. They add a sweet touch to any drink, even non-alcoholic drinks! If you are having a party with underage folks, make a fun mocktail and top it off with a lollipop!

Source:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/weekend-cooking/10-new-ways-to-garnish-your-drinks ​

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Clothespins
Clothespins can be used to make a garnish for a few types of occasions. Two occasions that would be well suited for these are baby showers or a rustic party. Different color clothespins can be used with different items to make a garnish that fits your event!

Source:
https://www.kegworks.com/mini-wooden-clothespins-for-cocktail-garnishes-pack-of-50 ​

Flowers
Flowers can make a beautiful garnish.. They will give your cocktails a fresh feel regardless of what is in them. Use various types of florals and greenery depending on your event or the season. For spring,  use lavender. For a winter event, use something with pine or mint.
https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12670180_1715504268696882_8996478015711919859_n.jpg?oh=e7d380e8448a9313738ca0a0febff7cd&oe=5783FEFC


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Cotton Candy
Bridal showers, girl’s nights, and galentine’s parties are all events where you can pull out all the fluff and sparkle you want! Cotton candy will make your cocktails feel flirty and feminine. The great thing is that you can find different color cotton candy to match or provide contrast with your cocktail.
https://kirbiecravings.com/cotton-candy-champagne-cocktails/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+KirbieCravings+(Kirbie+Cravings) ​


Shapes for the Occasion
One of the best parts of planning an event is working with the theme that goes with it! Utilizing your garnishes for decor is a great way to make your vision come to life. One easy way to accomplish this is by using shapes that enhance your occasion. If it’s an engagement party, put engagement rings on a toothpick. An easy way to make edible shapes is by using a cookie cutter to cut fruit.
https://www.brides.com/story/heart-shaped-wedding-drinks-and-desserts ​

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You can have so much fun garnishing your drinks! Our team is super passionate about cocktails and would love to serve at your bar. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about the drink menu for your next event!
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tasty items you need for your bridal shower brunch

1/25/2019

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By Hannah McCarthy
​Sales Manager
We are so excited to be preparing our team for wedding season! We know so many of you are helping your loved ones plan for their wedding. You are going on walk throughs with them, cake tasting with them, assisting them while they look for their perfect dress, and planning their many celebrations. One of the biggest celebrations for a bride is the bridal shower. As a close friend or family member, you are probably getting ready for the bridal shower. We wanted to give you tasty ideas for a bridal shower brunch!

Waffle Station

A waffle station is perfect for any morning occasion. Having a few different waffle makers will allow your guests to get their food in a timely manner. Some toppings to include at your station are chocolate syrup, regular syrup, peanut butter, nutella, bananas, strawberries, sprinkles, and to top it off, whip cream!

Source
https://www.papernstitchblog.com/diy-mothers-day-brunch/

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Donut Tower
Your guests will enjoy a donut tower! When selecting what you will be serving, opt for smaller donuts. Over the years, we have found that women have a harder time committing to one large tasty treat, but will eat several mini treats. A guest can choose to eat many little donuts or just one to satisfy her sweet craving.

Source
http://www.modwedding.com/2015/01/20-bridal-brunch-ideas-perfect-party-girls/
Yogurt Bowls
Yogurt is a healthier option for your brunch and is great for your guests that don’t want to eat as much sugar. Being intentional about how you serve the bowls can add to the decor of your event. If you are having an upscale bridal shower, put your yogurt in a crystal bowl or champagne glass. If you are having a rustic shower, use mason jars for your yogurt. You can either prepare the bowls ahead of time or you can put out your ingredients and allow your guests to build a bowl with the elements they enjoy.

Source
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjpyeHglOnp/
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Mimosa Bar
What better way to celebrate love than popping some bubbly? Mimosas are always a crowd favorite! This bar will allow your guests to create their own mimosas and try different types to see what they like. If they really enjoy their alcohol, they can pour more champagne. If they just want champagne for the sparkle, they can pour only a little bit. The choice is up to them. You can use the phrases, “Bubbly Bar” or “Pop the bubbly she’s getting a hubby.”

Source
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1d/df/a4/1ddfa4bb1bcc7ef0e4234603bda5dc75.jpg
Gourmet Coffee
Coffee is a great way to get your bridal shower started. Choosing gourmet coffee will keep your event fun. You can also include items that allow your guest to make their coffee just how they like it. Use different types of cream, various flavors of syrup, marshmallows, sugar, etc. To add a personal touch to the bridal shower, include a sign that says, “Love is brewing!”

​Source
https://somethingturquoise.com/2014/02/04/how-to-make-wedding-coffee-sleeves/
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We hope these tasty suggestions helped you as you are planning the bridal shower. You can totally customize some of these suggestions to be more personal for the bride. Let us know if you have any questions about ideas for the bridal shower. Our team would love to be of assistance at your bridal shower brunch!
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5 Essential items You Can Rent on your Wedding Day to Save you Money

1/18/2019

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By Gianna Bellino 
Hiring Manager

There are some things for your wedding day that you are better off making a straight investment in. The food on the plate can’t be returned, and the perfect staff is irreplaceable (Sorry, shameless plug!), but there are other items you can rent that will save you so much time and money in the process.
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Furniture
Unless your theme is highlighting Korean floor culture (which is totally on the rise), then furniture is necessary for any event. Renting can save you thousands of dollars and also a lot of time by going to a company that specializes in creating these beautiful displays.
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Florals
Florals are one decoration that any wedding cannot go without, and unfortunately, renting is scarcely an option for this unless your flowers are fake and can be rented. A bonus to buying the flowers is that you can dry and keep them as mementos, and pass them off to your guests as a parting gift. However, the vases and decor that the flowers come in can be rented. Save hundreds by paying for the flower itself and not spending as much on the arrangement or vases.
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Table Linens and Decor
Many venues or furniture companies will include table linens. Even if the lines aren’t your favorite color or style, you can totally dress them up and style them your way with the right table decor. Plus, you won’t have to wash them at the end of the night which will save you more time, washing, and storing. A lot of table decor is a source of wasted money because it will not last after the evening is spent. Unless you want custom designs, you can rent table decor for a beautiful place setting without breaking the bank.
Diamonds
It may sound unusual, but you can rent your jewelry including diamonds for your wedding. Other than that perfect engagement ring to last forever, other earrings and large necklaces will only be worn once. Sites like
William and Henri allow you to rent jewelry (yes, even rings!) so you can be as elaborate as possible without breaking the bank.
Wedding Dress
Long gone are the days where men get to rent their suit and women have to spend 10’s of thousands of dollars buying their dress. Granted, a wedding dress is a very special gown that most women keep and even pass down as an heirloom, but as trends change and your daughter may not want to literally follow in your footsteps. You many consider renting your gown. 
Wedding sites such as Rent the Runway and Borrowing Magnolia allow you to have your dream dress at a dream price!
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We hope these rental ideas have been helpful! Feel free to reach out with any questions you ma have about renting items for your big day!
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ceremony backdrop ideas for spring and summer

1/11/2019

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By Hannah McCarthy
​Sales Manager
The ceremony is the most special part of the wedding. This is what unites you and the love of your life! Through vows, the exchanging of rings, a kiss, and other traditions, this is sure to be a memorable time for you and your guests. Their attention will not only be on you, but the backdrop behind you. The backdrop can greatly enhance the mood of your ceremony.

With couples planning their spring and summer weddings, we thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite types of ceremony backdrops for these seasons. You are sure to find one that fits with your wedding vision. Using pastels will give your spring or summer weddings a light, romantic feel.
Boho Wedding
​For your boho wedding, make sure to use crochet, candles, and greenery! Let your artistic side show through with the textures and colors you choose. As a boho bride, you are sure to be wearing a flower crown. Coordinate the flower crown and boutonnieres to go with the backdrop.

Source:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/628983182/bohemian-macrame-wedding-backdrop?ref=related-5
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Outdoorsy Wedding
A backdrop with trees and greenery will magnify your gorgeous venue. If you are already in nature, use it as your backdrop. Whether you are surrounded by trees or full shrubs, they will provide a beautiful landscape for your ceremony. Your wedding backdrop should complement your landscape, not compete with it.

Source:

http://janeinthewoods.com/2018/04/sedona-wedding-photographer-planner-at-creekside-inn-forest-wedding-in-the-woods/

Desert Wedding
The desert can provide a beautiful setting for your wedding ceremony. Although some parts of it have Joshua Trees and Yucca Plants, other parts provide a tan, sandy backdrop. Utilizing succulents, polished lines, and clean shapes, you are sure to enhance the desert backdrop!  

Source:
https://greenweddingshoes.com/modern-desert-elopement-inspiration-in-the-sand-dunes/

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Rustic Wedding
The three things that are key to a rustic wedding are wood, flowers, and greenery. As a rustic bride, you love the homey and country feel and want it reflected at your wedding! Selecting a darker wood will make your guests feel the warmth of your love. Using refurbished home items like windows and doors will make your rustic theme much more prevalent!

​Source:

https://www.brides.com/gallery/backyard-wedding-ideas#slide=1
Glamorous Wedding
​As a glamorous bride, you want your wedding to be extravagant! By using an abundance of crystals and flowers, you are sure to wow your guests. For a more upscale backdrop, use materials like satin and silk in your design.

Source:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/652021096/arch-boho-wedding-decoration-cream?ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-3&pro=1
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Traditional Wedding
A traditional wedding is all about roses, candles, and staying timeless. Choose colors that are classic like different shades of light pink and white. Your photographs will never go out of style!

Source:

http://www.modwedding.com/2016/07/chic-fresh-texas-wedding-prospect-house/

How cute are these backdrop examples? We hope they helped you decide what you want as the focal point for your ceremony. Let us know how we can be of assistance with your wedding ceremony!
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how to ask your wedding party using their love language

1/4/2019

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By Gianna Bellino
​Hiring Manager

Your wedding is such a special day to you, and when the time comes to tie the eternal knot, it’s important to have the right people by your side supporting you and sharing this experience with you. Whether you are the bride or the groom, you want to make sure whoever you choose to be in your bridal party is someone that will encourage you, support you, and remember all of the little details so you don’t have to fuss or stress on your big day. 

Not only do they need to support you, but you also need to support and appreciate them. Remember that whoever you ask is going to have a lot of work to do for your wedding. The maid of honor and best man will plan the bachelor/bachelorette party, guard the rings, help organize so many important details, and most of all be your number one support. 

If you have already chosen who those special people are in your life, then you want to invite them in a way that will flatter them, surprise them, and get them excited about saying “yes.” Most importantly, you want to invite them in their own language. We all have a love language that we speak with all of our friends, not just in our romantic relationship. If you have a successful friendship with someone that will be there on your wedding day, then the odds are, they are already someone who you know well. If you know their love language, then ask them to be your bridesmaid/groomsmen in a way that will make them feel appreciated and loved. If you don’t know their love language- I encourage you to find out. It will help you along the way in your relationship to make sure they feel valued in the friendship and it will help things run smoothly on your wedding day.
1. Words of Affirmation
​If your friend is someone who is always encouraging you, or is asking for encouragement, then it may be that their love language is words of affirmation. If that’s the case, then you will make them feel special by telling them just how much they mean to you. By replicating the way you were asked to wed, you can ask your bridesmaid in a unique and memorable way by “popping” the question. Place a long, heartfelt note in a balloon, blow up the balloon, place it in a box, and when they open the box, the balloon will float out. After they pop the balloon, they will read the note, and give you and emphatic “YES!” If you want to make it a little more interesting, you can place confetti in the balloon, or even provide a little speech affirming even more how much they mean to you. The key is to let your words be abundant and generous in the way you ask this person.
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Source:
​https://unsplash.com/
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Source: http://www.modwedding.com/2015/02/15-creative-ways-propose-bridesmaids/
2. Gifts: Give them a Gift Box
​For someone whose love language is gifts, you will want to ask them to be a part of your bridal party in a tangible way. One way that you can flatter this friend is to put a gift box together for them. Everyone loves receiving gifts, but this particular friend is someone who feels extra loved and appreciated by the gifts more than words or actions. After all is said and done, this bridesmaid/groomsman may end up spending a lot of money on you for your day since they are gift-givers and they will support you tangibly. To start out this relationship letting them know they are appreciated, put a gift box together full of things they will love. If she is a wino, then give her a customized bottle of Rose and some wine glasses. If he is a coffee lover, given him a fresh bag of beans and a gift card to his favorite coffee shop. The more you can fill it with creative, cute gifts custom for them- the better. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, it just has to be tangible and let them know you are thinking of them. Personalize it with a simple note asking them to be by your side.
3. Acts of Service
If your friend’s love language is acts of service, then it won’t require any money, but it will require some creativity on your part. Someone whose love language is acts of service will feel loved and appreciated when someone does something for them. Acts of service is anything you do for them that may not be very fun, but it will make them feel supported and appreciated. If they are a mother, you can offer to come help them clean their house or to babysit and when the job is done, pop the question. If he is a foodie, you can cook a nice meal for him and ask him at dinner. If they are working on a project, you can offer to help them complete it. Find a way to cater to them, and pair that act of service with a creative way to ask them to be in your bridal party such as a card or a spa day, so they can rest while you help them complete their chores.
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Source:
​https://unsplash.com/
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Source: http://www.modwedding.com/2015/02/15-creative-ways-propose-bridesmaids/
​https://unsplash.com/
4. Quality Time
​If your friend is someone who feels loved and appreciated when you spend time together, then it may be that their love language is quality time. This person doesn’t want you to serve them, buy things for them or even compliment them, they simply want you to be with them. It may not sound like much, but to them it’s the most special thing you can do for them. To ask this person to be your bridesmaid or groomsman, take them out to do something they enjoy, just the two of you. Take them to dinner, drinks, or on a hike. The key is to have an experience, where you and them can spend some quality one-on-one time. When the night is through, pick up the tab, and ask them with a smile to be your bridesmaid or groomsmen. The key is to pay attention to them fully, not be distracted by your phone, or anyone else. Make them feel special and loved by being with them and giving them your full attention. This whole evening will be the invitation, and to someone who loves quality time, they won’t be able to say no!
5. Physical Touch
​If this is your friends top love language, but it is not yours, it may be a little tricky for you. But don’t worry- it’s actually much more simple than you think. This friend whose love language is physical touch loves hugs, massages, and they love to sit close to you. When you ask this person, use any creative variation mentioned above, such as giving them a gift box, or by gifting them a massage… but when you do ask the this question, make sure you touch their leg, sit close to them, and hug them when they say “Yes.” Whatever you do- don’t ask this person over the phone or text, be close by their side.
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Source:
​https://unsplash.com/
Hopefully, this blog gave you some inspiration to ask your wedding party. We hope your bridesmaids and groomsmen will feel extra special when you ask them!
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christmas traditions

12/21/2018

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By The CSE Office Team
Holiday traditions are a great way to get in the Christmas spirit! Maybe you have a family that is festive or maybe holiday traditions are a foreign concept to you. If you would like to start a tradition, this is the year to do so! Our office team shared their favorite holiday traditions. We hope this blog inspires you this Christmas season!
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Irena
Amidst all the presents, get-togethers, and celebrations there are pure moments of joy that I adore about this time of year! The build up to the Holidays is a favorite, but nothing beats my all time favorite tradition of decorating the tree. When I was little, each year we set up the Christmas tree together as a big family singing along to the Christmas music being played in the background. We would hang collected ornaments from years before that commemorated the things we have done, places we've been, and things we have seen. Now I get to carry that tradition with me into my home. My parents have handed down ornaments to me that have a special place in my heart. As I grew up, my now husband and I Colby, boyfriend at the time, started a tradition where we pick out a new ornament together each year. The first year, him being a firefighter, we got one of a fire truck and one that said "my hero," because he truly is! This year we took on a huge endeavour and bought our very first house! I can't wait to hang up our house key on the tree as our ornament this year! Although, I do still have what I like to call my "Pottery Barn" Christmas tree that's all color themed and symmetrical, the one that means the most to me is the mish-mashed collections of memories.
 
Gianna
The Christmas season for me has always been a time of being with family, and enjoying so many traditions such as decorating the Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa out of home-made mugs, baking sugar cookies with my cousins, and decorating the house in Christmas lights, just to name a few. But the tradition that I am most fond of is the one where we give to children in need. When I was a little girl, my church hosted a drive for collecting shoe boxes to give to kids in the world who live in poverty. This charity called “Operation Christmas Child” through Samaritan’s Purse, provides shoe boxes filled with gifts to kids who would not otherwise receive any Christmas gifts. My mom would take my sister and I to the store and we would be so excited to pick out the perfect amount of gifts for another little girl or boy our age. I was surprised to learn that I enjoyed that process of shopping, wrapping, and shipping off those shoe boxes for someone else more than I enjoyed making my own list. Since that year, it’s still a favorite tradition of mine that makes me feel connected to the giving season a little more.

Kassandra
Christmas is one of the only times during the year that everyone in my family starts to slow down and prepare to take a few days to disconnect from everything and reconnect with those around them. One tradition that has always stayed true to the very first time I remember, is placing the tree topper as the final touch. Any sort of decorating during the holidays has always been different every year since my family has complete opposite schedules from one another. No matter where we go for Christmas, a tree must be present no matter how big or how small. Even if it is a last minute trip to Utah or Lake Tahoe, decorating a tree is very important since it is one of the only things we really have time to do together, other than buying Christmas presents of course!! It is unlike many family traditions I know of where people start to decorate the day after Thanksgiving, but for me it has always been like that. It usually happens on Christmas Eve since that is my parent’s anniversary. We will all dress up with something festive and cozy (including our lovely dogs and lizard) to decorate the tree with the theme we choose and play some Christmas music in the background. The tree topper symbolizes unity because we gather a few chairs and all place it on top of the tree together once we believe the tree is fully dressed. We are careful to not knock the tree over since our dogs and lizard are in each of our arms at the time because they are the heart of our little family. Once the tree is done, we wait until midnight on Christmas Eve to begin opening presents to finalize the late night tradition and we look forward to celebrating the New Year wherever we might be.  
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Hannah
The Holidays are my favorite time of the year! Christmas is a time of hope and excitement! I come from a large family and Christmas has always been a big deal. We decorate Christmas cookies, look at Christmas lights, watch Christmas movies, host parties, exchange gifts, and eat delicious food. It is easy to get lost in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, which is why I have always appreciated my family’s Christmas-Eve tradition. Every year, we attend a church service and get dinner at a greek restaurant after. We get to sing Christmas carols, hear the Christmas story, and eat tasty Saganaki at dinner; but Christmas-Eve is more than a church service and amazing cheese. It challenges me to slow down and intentionally remember what I am celebrating and why I am celebrating it. I get to celebrate the hope I have because of Christmas. It allows me to be a part of something so much bigger than myself!

​Thank you for taking the time to read our blog! We are so grateful for each and every one of you. Happy Holidays! 
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tips for planning A wedding

12/14/2018

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By Hannah McCarthy
Executive Assistant

The Holiday Season is dreamy and romantic! It is no surprise that couples are getting engaged! With so many couples looking forward to their special day, we wanted to share some tips for planning a wedding!

Budget
Setting a budget for the wedding is the first thing to do! The budget will help you decide how much you can spend and what you want to spend it on. Below is a percentage breakdown of a wedding budget.
  • Reception Venue + Rental Fees: 18%
  • Food: 18%
  • Photos + Videos: 10%
  • Flowers + Decor: 8% *For Ceremony and Reception*
  • Drinks: 8%
  • Music: 8%
  • Attire: 7%
  • Extra Fees + Emergency Fund: 5%
  • Day of Coordinator: 3% *A full-service coordinator will be 10-15% of the budget*
  • Ceremony: 3%
  • Beauty: 2%
  • Cake: 2%
  • Favors + Gifts: 2%
  • Invite + Paper: 2%
  • Transportation: 2%
  • Wedding Rings: 2%

Binder/Checklist
Creating a binder and checklist for wedding planning is a great way to start the process! The binder will give you one place to store items like signed forms, receipts, orders, and other various documents. A checklist is great because it allows brides to see how their dream wedding can become reality. It is a practical way to see what is needed for the big day. Each time you complete a task, you can cross it off, and are one step closer to marrying the love of your life!   

Email Account for Wedding Planning
Making an email account will come in handy for your planning. This provides one place to communicate via email for all things wedding! Emails for the wedding will not get lost in the midst of emails from work, school, friends, or family. Our staff recommends a Gmail account. There are added bonuses to Gmail like Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, and many other tools to help organize the details of your big day!

Guest List
Start the guest list early! Having a general idea of how many people you want to invite will help you choose the venue! If you want to invite 150 guests and a venue only accommodates 50 people, you know that venue is not right for your wedding because you already created your guest list and know how many people you want at your big day!

Venue
Once a date has been picked, secure the venue. This will help finalize wedding details. Knowing the venue will provide a guest count limit. Each venue has a maximum of how many people it can accommodate, which helps to finalize the guest list. Venues typically have a preferred vendor list. Brides can see these vendors and decide who they want for coordination, catering, rentals, a DJ, decor, etc.

Color Scheme
Picking a color scheme early will be helpful when making decisions for the rest of the wedding. The color scheme will come in handy when designing the wedding website, choosing invitations, picking florals, determining the wedding party’s attire, selecting wedding decorations + rentals, etc.

Wedding Website
A wedding website is a great way for brides to communicate with their guests! On this website, make sure to include RSVP’s and the registry. You can also include food information, song requests, and even share fun information about the wedding party with your guests.

Trial Hair and Makeup
If you are getting your hair or makeup done, it is recommended to do a trial run. Some artists will do a sample of hair and makeup so that they know exactly what you want. Plan an outing with your wedding party afterwards. This will give you a night away from planning the wedding and you can also see how your hair and makeup will last!

Photographer
A skilled photographer can capture the wedding day so that couples can look back on these images for the rest of their marriage! There are so many great memories in pictures. Whether it is family or close friends, let your photographer know which guests to focus on so that you have them in your photos. In addition to telling your photographer who to photograph, let them know if you want any special poses with your wedding party. Photographers know how to make your wedding party look great, but you need to let them know if there are some special images you want taken!

​This list of ideas is not exhaustive, but we know these tips been beneficial for couples getting married. We hope this list is helpful for you as you are planning your big day! Please let us know if you have any questions about planning your wedding!  
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