The Paper Perfectionist did not disappoint and I highly recommend her work to anyone with a clear idea of what you want looking for an affordable custom party invitation.  I love the colors and how she incorporated lace, which was a central design element, to the borders of the invite.

The invites came with white envelopes, so I looked elsewhere for buttery, sunshine yellow envelopes.  I also purchased vivid pink damask envelope liners to add a pop of color to the muted hues of the invite.  I worked with White Tulip Designs on Etsy for these items.

I told my stamp-addict hubby what I wanted in terms of stamps:” vintage feminine with multiple stamps to give it a more “weathered” look.  Most of the invites had a classic doll 32 cent stamp paired with the Tiffany Lamp and Clock stamps.  The one pictured in the photograph had an Indian stamp  - one my husband needed for his collection.  Yes, I make fun of him mercilessly for this little hobby.  However, it does come in handy when I want vintage stamps for a project like this.  As I’ve said many times on this blog, I believe stamps can add a personalized element to invitations that can enhance the overall look.

baby love xoxo

I’m always looking to borrow ideas from store-bought welcome bags for DIY welcomes, and Navy and Lavender fills their welcome bags with some very nifty treats!

I absolutely love their gift concepts for your bridal party.  They offer gift baskets for all your bridesmaids… from the perfect hostess

to the beach bum! 

These gifts would even work perfectly as mother of the bride and mother of the groom gifts!

The men in your bridal party are not overlooked.  Check out this tee-time gift bag:

And, last but not least, you have to see Navy and Lavender’s signature “favor cakes.”  Perfect for a smaller party or a shower.   

This just cracks me up!  And at 12 tags for $4.50 including shipping, it’s a completely affordable laugh.  You can find them at Lowfidelity’s Etsy Shop. 

And I know… not exactly wedding related, but they’re perfect for your Holiday parties!

Better Together Events was on hand organizing a rather large July 4 BBQ party, and it went off without a hitch! There were kids of all ages and grown kids kicking back and enjoying the festivities. The greatest hit of the day seemed to be some pretty intense backyard volleyball — one of my more brilliant ideas if I don’t say so myself.

Besides arranging the sporting games, how else can an event planner help you in your holiday parties?

Well, I’m pretty sure I created the best playlist ever, but this is more of a personal achievement than something that should sell my services. You see, I have a reputation amongst old friends of having bad taste in music, but I’m slowly but surely redeeming myself. [Some highlights: Son of a Preacher Man – Dusty Springfield, September – Earth, Wind and Fire, Proud Mary – CCR, America – Simon and Garfunkle, America, The Beautiful – Ray Charles, Young Americans – David Bowie, American Pie – Don McLean, Cry Cry Cry – Johnny Cash, Heavy Things – Phish, Midnight Train to Georgie – Gladys Night and the Pips, Father and Daughter – Paul Simon (in honor of all the dads at the party), Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen, Billy Jean – Michael Jackson, No Woman No Cry – Bob Marley with Wyclef, An American Girl – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, American Music – Violent Femmes, Sweet Carolone – Neil Diamond

Besides with the help of music, I set the tone with some festive decor. These cups served the purpose of not wasting lost cups so that everyone had a labeled one easy to fine amongst all the others. They were also unique, totally do it yourself, and fun.
And of course there is no Fourth of July BBQ without the American classic: SMORES:Event planners like myself at Better Together Events can also assist with brainstorming on signature cocktails. As much as I would love to take credit for the “Beer-RITAS,” an associate of mine who also just happens to be a full-time physican came up with that one. Don’t worry, she does not partake in the signature cocktails during business hours. My idea was the tasty “Triple Summer Sangria,” because don’t we all want a summer times 3?
Event planners can also suggest super easy, totally inexpensive, yet always festive centerpiece ideas. Not bad, eh?Happy summer! Don’t forget us for your party, special event, and wedding planning needs!