We’re gearing up for a food-tastic fall! Our event planning team is honored to be a part of both the Dallas All Star Chef Classic and World Food Championships this October. The coolest news? There’s synergy between the two events. The World Food Championships recently announced that proceeds from the signature Grand Tasting event will benefit the Dallas 24 Hour Club!
As part of WFC’s new relationship with the 24 Hour Club, two World Food Champions will also participate in the 2019 Dallas All Star Chef Classic. Terry Kranz, owner of TK Culinary, created the Dallas All Star Chef Classic alongside Marsha Williamson to assist with fundraising efforts and further awareness about addiction within the restaurant community.
“24 Hour Club has given me everything I have,” shared Terry, who lived at the Dallas 24 Hour Club twice during the height of his own addiction. “Today I own a catering company, I do the best events in the world, and I’m respected. What really drives me now is to show another alcoholic that it’s possible to make it out.”
So what are you waiting for, DFW foodies? Good food, great fun, and a worthy cause await. Fire up those tastebuds and catch all the details for both events below!
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE FABULOUS FOOD EVENTS
October 13, 2019 | Join us at the 6th Annual Dallas All Star Chef Classic benefitting Dallas 24 Hour Club! The event will be held at Sixty Five Hundred from 5:30-8 pm. Dallas’ top chefs will be on the scene to prepare delicious tastings, and guests will also enjoy live music from the Georgia Bridgwater Band along with silent + live auctions.
Reserve your spot: https://www.dallas24hourclub.org/chef
October 16-20, 2019 | We hope to see you at the World Food Championships in Dallas! Presented by Walmart, this 5-day outdoor cooking competition will take place on the Reunion Tower Lawn. Top chefs and home cooks from across the globe will battle for a Category Champion title and $10,000. In the following months, Category Champs will reconvene for a shot at the World Food Champion title and an additional $100,000!
Get your tickets: https://worldfoodchampionships.com/tickets
What do you get when you combine industrial lights, gorgeous greenery, a Merlot-infused color palette, and one incredible Star Wars themed groom’s cake? Robbie and Nicolette’s elegant December wedding, of course—a truly memorable “I do” with a design that was equal parts unique and chic.
First things first: that dress! Nicolette stunned in a modern fitted gown that featured an illusion panel at the center of the bodice. Befitting the season, bridesmaids wore floor-length cabernet gowns and carried blooms in a similar hue. And let’s not forget about Nicolette’s scene-stealing mini maid…precious!
David Kimmel Design brought the couple’s vision to life by perfectly marrying contemporary and classic elements. The large metal chandeliers at Brake & Clutch Warehouse were draped in greenery, and floral table centerpieces alternated with sky-high groupings of industrial light fixtures. Eye-catching lighting also accented the ceremony scene! A wall of hanging Edison bulbs created a spectacular backdrop and beautifully framed the ceremony arch, which was comprised of greenery mixed with flowers in shades of burgundy and cream. It was easy for each guest to catch a view of Nicolette and Robbie’s touching vows thanks to the semi-circular arrangement of ceremony seating.
The vendor list for this wedding featured one of our favorite recent discoveries: the Buon Giorno Coffee Trike! As one of only 30 self-sustainable coffee models in the world, this pedal-powered reception activation is perfect for latte lovers looking to provide a unique experience for their guests.
Catch even more details from Nicolette and Robbie’s wedding day by watching their lovely, moving video from Elle Films below!
Last but certainly not least, we couldn’t resist sharing this sweet love note from our beautiful bride. For the record, Nicolette, we’d be down to plan the entire day all over again, too!
“I’m just sitting over here reliving our day through the video and pictures and might be the only bride to ever wish she were still planning her wedding! I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat and wanted to thank [your team] so much for everything! Our wedding has been and will remain a topic of conversation throughout our families!” -Nicolette Rogers Shafto
American Airlines is rooted in high-quality customer service, reliability, and kindness, and it has been an honor for our team to work with such an all-star brand to produce a variety of events over the past year! No matter the occasion, the American Airlines personality and commitment to excellence is always evident. Our team adores working (and flying!) with American Airlines and we are proud to share a look at two recent events today: the company’s 2018 Service Anniversary and dynamic “Through the Decades” reception.
The 2018 American Airlines Service Anniversary honored the dedication and commitment of team members who have contributed more than 35 years of service to the company. Hundreds of pilots and team members joined in celebrating the American Airlines legacy at the beautiful Omni Dallas, where Chairman & CEO Doug Parker shared remarks with honorees as guests enjoyed a delicious dinner. Afterward, attendees hit the dance floor and enjoyed music from legendary performer Tony Orlando!
Such a special occasion called for equally extraordinary decor, and our vendors delivered. Floral arrangements in shades of red and pink created by David Kimmel Design lined sophisticated farm tables from Perch Event Decor, and libations were served behind a round bar that featured American Airlines logos on every panel. Programs embellished with a custom-designed motif were placed atop beautiful chargers fromPosh Couture Rentals, and the motif was also replicated on the custom Prashe dance floor for a cohesive look. Boxwood walls adorned with the American Airlines suite of logos provided a perfect backdrop for photo ops throughout the evening.
“Through the Decades” Reception
Groovy, baby! From rubix cube end tables to a vintage Volkswagen van, the decor for the American Airlines “Through the Decades” reception at the DFW Grand Hyatt was unlike any other. Every corner of the room was accented by a different color wash and furnished with decor that gave a nod to the featured decade. Whether they were sipping on handcrafted beverages or enjoying music from DJ Andy Austin, the atmosphere made it easy for guests to “fly” through the past!
No matter the occasion, DFW Events pays attention to the details to bring your vision to life. From large-scale award galas to meaningful celebrations of employees and clients, we aim to provide a five-star experience each and every time. To learn more about our Dallas-Fort Worth corporate event planning services for brands and businesses, click here.
2018 Service Anniversary Vendors:
Floral/Design: David Kimmel Design
Event Rentals: Perch Event Decor and Posh Couture Rentals
So, you’re working on selecting menu items for your wedding reception. You’ve already decided on passed hors d’oeuvres—crab cakes, stuffed button mushrooms, and fried mac and cheese balls just for a fun twist—and you’re thinking of serving a light garden salad and lobster bisque combo as an appetizer. But how do you deliver the main course to your guests? When it comes to the question of a seated dinner, a buffet, or a serving station is the best option for the main course, let’s just put it this way: you have yet to determine which food service option to say “I do” to at your wedding reception.
The size of your guest list, formality of your wedding, selected venue and catering company, and the time of day your wedding and reception will take place are all things to consider when choosing a food service style.
THE BUFFET
Let’s start at what is traditionally known as the most informal end of the spectrum: the buffet. Many couples who opt for a buffet lean toward this option due to their desire to see movement in the room throughout the evening, rather than a stagnant seated dinner that unfolds at a slower pace. If cost is a factor, buffets can also prove to be a more economical option as they do not require every guest to be seated at the same time.
photo: Scott Hagar Photography
THE SEATED DINNER
For those who prefer more formal dining experience, or who plan to host 200 or fewer guests, seated dinners are an appropriate selection. Most frequently selected for black and white tie receptions, seated dinners are a full-service dining experience marked by pauses between courses. Generally speaking, seated dinners are more expensive because they require a chair for every single guest, along with chargers, stemware, flatware, individual menus, table numbers, additional centerpieces, a server for the table, plus a server for beverages.
Stations are another option, and fall right in the middle of the food service spectrum on a scale ranging from informal to formal. Ideal for weddings with a large guest count, food stations are also an excellent option for those who wish to accommodate a variety of menu needs or preferences.
For example, an Indian family following a vegetarian diet can showcase the bride or groom’s heritage by serving traditional dishes while also offering more universal fare at other stations. Alternately, a couple hailing from New York and Texas can treat guests to his-and-hers stations bearing Manhattan clam chowder and cheesecake to represent his Brooklyn background, and barbecue and pecan pie as a nod to her Houston roots.
For both buffet dinners and food stations, signage helps to reinforce the theme and further acquaint guests with the couple’s background. You can accomplish this via large chalkboard menus at the head of each station or by putting individual menus on each place setting.
The newest trend is doing a hybrid of food stations and seated dinners—ideal for the couple who wants the formality of assigned guest seating without limiting mobility throughout the evening. Just like at a traditional seated reception, each guest is directed to his or her assigned dinner seat via a place card. Following a welcome toast or prayer, wines are poured at the table and the first course is served by attendants. Afterward, guests are then dismissed to various food stations at their own pace. Another mix-and-match option is the family-style seated dinner, in which entrees are plated and guests help themselves to sides served on large platters. Although everyone has a seat at the table like at a traditional seated dinner, this casual style of dinner service is the furthest thing from stuffy—perfect for a ranch wedding or more casual reception environment.
Now that you have an understanding of the various food service options, all that’s left to do is finish up those menu selections. Enjoy your tasting appointments—and bon appetit!
Are you looking for a Dallas or destination event planner? We would be honored to speak with you about your “I do”—drop a note to our team right here.
The Victoria’s Secret Bra Fit Tour embodied the sexy, iconic feel of the world-famous lingerie brand, and we were so honored to coordinate a soirée for the Dallas leg of the tour. Models and Bra Fit Experts alike descended on Hotel Crescent Court to help women find their best fit in the latest styles and silhouettes. Our goal? To make sure each guest truly felt like an Angel!
Event photos courtesy of Victoria’s Secret (Cooper Neill/Getty Images) + via DFW Events on Instagram
The Crescent’s luxe Presidential Suite perfectly showcased the new Body by Victoria collection, and the intimate setting proved ideal for mixing and mingling as well. Event attendees included Victoria’s Secret Angel Romee Strijd, Gisou Hair founder Negin Mirsalehi, Dallas-based bloggers and social media influencers, and the most pink-loving Real Housewives of Dallas cast member of them all: Kameron Westcott! While browsing for bras, pajamas, and lingerie from Victoria’s Secret, guests enjoyed light bites and signature “The Best Fit” cocktails comprised of grapefruit, tequila, and a lime wedge. There was something for everyone to enjoy!
A boudoir-esque atmosphere was created for the event with the help of some of our favorite Dallas vendors. Lush floral arrangements crafted by Garden Gate in vibrant shades of VS pink were scattered around the room. Rich red, pink, and navy balloons from A Little Party Co. lined a textured velvet backdrop from Big Bad Booth, where guests snapped photos and showcased their sassy sides. Perch Event Decor provided elegant pieces including jewel-toned pillows and a stunning gold bar-turned-DJ-booth, where DJ Sno White spun hits as everyone sipped and shopped. Absolute Lighting ensured that each and every woman had the opportunity to shine. At the end of the evening, attendees went home with a tote bag filled with the best kind of swag: custom-fitted bras, lingerie, robes, and a $100 gift card to Victoria’s Secret!
This event was such a treat for our team to coordinate—we absolutely loved the challenge of translating the Victoria’s Secret brand into a tangible experience for each guest! We would like to thank Victoria’s Secret for inviting us into their world and for making a tour stop in Dallas. Now…who’s ready to don a pair of wings?
No matter the occasion, DFW Events pays attention to the details to bring your vision to life. From major grand openings to intimate events geared toward generating brand awareness, we aim to provide a five-star experience each and every time. To learn more about our Dallas-Fort Worth corporate event planning services, click here.
Information for this article was provided by Chime.
When it’s your wedding day, it can be easy to want it all—and who can blame you? You’ve likely waited for this very moment your entire life. But once you venture into the exciting (and chaotic) world of wedding planning, you’ll see how quickly expenses add up. All of the sudden, your dazzling hopes and expectations might seem out of reach. But what if you could make all of your luxurious wedding dreams come true without going into debt? Well, it’s possible! Read on to learn how.
Coordination by DFW Events | photo: Elisabeth Millay, Millay & Young
Understand Your Financial Situation
Before you start fantasizing about planning a wedding like the $40 million dollar affair portrayed inCrazy Rich Asians, it’s important to understand where your wedding budget is coming from. For the most part, it comes down to three different sources: how much you and your significant other can set aside each month until the wedding, how much you both have in your individual savings accounts, and any contributions from family members or loved ones.
Create (and stick to) the Budget
Okay, you have a basic understanding of where your wedding planning money is coming from. Now what?
First, determine you and your future spouse’s combined current savings, as well as any potential outside contributions from family members. Add both together to get the first two components of your budget. For the third component—how much you’ll set aside each month—consider allocating 10 percent of your earnings every month to a new wedding fund.Erin Lowry, a personal finance expert, elaborates, “Establish direct deposits into a separate account for wedding expenses so it isn’t just leftovers that get saved.” The easiest way to do this: put your savings on autopilot via an app that’s great for upping your savings in a pinch. This way, you’ll grow your wedding budget without needing to fuss with your bank account all the time.
Get the Look for Less
Hooray, your budget has been established! No more dealing with numbers, right? Not so fast. You’ll have to continue adding and subtracting numbers throughout the wedding planning process to ensure that you’re staying on target. But don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it sounds—especially if you say “I do” toworking with your wedding planner to create a luxury look for less. Take flowers for example. You could shell out hundreds (or even thousands) to secure out-of-season peonies for your table arrangements, or you could save that much by sticking to flowers that are in season. Save even more by using candles in place of floral elements when designing your tablescapes!
A little research into venue costs goes a long way. Barn and loft spaces might be trending as budget-friendly alternatives to typical wedding venues, but it’s entirely possible that you’ll end up spending just as much money retrofitting a space as you would on booking a more traditional venue. Keep in mind that if you decideto book or build an atypical event space, you’ll need to bring in chairs, tables, cutlery, catering equipment, restrooms, air conditioning/heat…the works.
On the other hand, some traditional wedding venues can run as high as $20,000+. So, what’s the best way to go aboutbooking a venue? Before you commit to anything, work with your wedding plannerto compare the estimated total price of a wedding that requires a custom build against the price of a venue that includes in-house rentals and facilities. Doing so just might save you thousands!
Our team recently wrapped an AMAZING site visit with Rocker B Ranch! We love this property for weddings, milestone anniversary parties, family reunions, corporate events, and more. Join us for a quick virtual tour and you’ll see why.
Where are our baseball lovers? You plus this field equals the baseball/softball/kickball filled corporate retreat or birthday bash of the decade. After hitting the fields, cool off in the coolest pool around. Don’t forget to take a turn down Rocker B’s 50-foot water slide!
Rocker B’s 20,000 square-foot indoor arena is the perfect flex space for events. Take a look at how we transformed this incredible venue for a recent wedding reception!
Hello, bachelor party paradise! The “Dugout” is equipped with classic arcade games, ping pong, TVs, and authentic MLB memorabilia just to name a few. Accommodations at Rocker B reflect a gorgeous rustic-contemporary aesthetic and boast top-of-the-line amenities. Your guests won’t want for anything during their stay thanks to an on-site workout facility, massage room, hot tub, and more!
Rocker B can even accommodate large-scale entertainment productions. Check out this footage from the 2018 Backroads Music Fest for proof!
Take a closer look at the fall wedding reception our team coordinated at Rocker B below. Love what you see? Contact our team to learn more about planning your “I do” at one of our favorite new ranch venues in Texas!
It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year! To celebrate that fact, we’re thrilled to be sharing images from the classic winter “I do” that closed out last year’s wedding season for our team. Hattie and Joel exchanged vows just a few days after Christmas on December 30, 2017, and chose to showcase their proximity to the holiday via a variety of festive details. Let’s get started on unwrapping them, shall we?
A traditional palette of rich reds, gorgeous greens, and glittering gold was carried throughout the ceremony at First Christian Church in Plano, where a spectacular stained-glass window served as a backdrop. Our beautiful bride, Hattie, was a dream in her wedding gown which featured layer upon layer of voluminous white tulle. From the gown’s lace bodice, to the intricately beaded belt cinching her waist, to the stunning diamond and gold drop earrings that accented her bridal attire, every detail was perfection! Joel’s black-tie ensemble, which featured a boutonnière wrapped in a plaid ribbon with a sprig of evergreen, gave a classic nod to the season as well.
Sumptuous Christmas details also abounded at the Southfork Ranch reception. Candles, garland, and white settees from Perch Decor accented by lush red and green velvet throw pillows helped transform the iconic venue into a winter wonderland. Tables were adorned with vibrant red roses, berries, lavish greenery, and tartan cloth napkins while lanterns and rustic antler chandeliers provided ambiance from above.
Since Hattie and many of her bridesmaids are professional dancers, of course a fabulous choreographed dance routine was incorporated into the evening—it was such a hit with groom and guests alike. What better way to say Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
SEE THE VIDEO
GET INSPIRED BY MORE WINTER WEDDINGS + HOLIDAY POSTS!
Ready for a big-time understatement? It can be easy to get caught up in all the little details of the wedding planning process. Making decisions on a deadline is never easy, and when you add in the emotions and expectations associated with a wedding, those “fun” cake tastings and dress fittings can suddenly start to feel like appointments with a pressure cooker. When stress threatens to overshadow the joy of the wedding planning process, it’s helpful to remember that the purpose of all the planning is not just to pull off a fabulous event, but to begin a beautiful marriage.
On that note, today we’ll be focusing on using your registry to prepare for life together after the aisle. If the idea of roaming around Target with a price gun sounds anything BUT fun, hang with us. There are many new ways to create a modern, practical registry that fits your unique needs and goals as a couple—no price gun required. Let’s explore a few of them!
The New Wedding Wish List: Practical Alternatives to Traditional Wedding Registries
If the two of you already have all of the pots, pans, and pretties needed to turn your house into a home, there’s no need to register for additional items just for the sake of tradition. Your guests will still want (and expect) to gift you with something as you begin your new life together, though, which is where online wedding registries like Honeyfund come into play. You can think of Honeyfund as a crowdfunding site for weddings—one that allows your guests to give cash in an intentional and thoughtful way. Contributions can be directed toward your honeymoon accommodations, unique activities and experiences, charitable donations, down payments for a future home…even a year of professional housecleaning! (Yes, please.) Love the idea, but not quite sure where you’ll be jet-setting after exchanging vows? Honeyfund also offers a variety of honeymoon packages and exclusive discounts that are sure to inspire your itinerary. Take a peek here!
THE GOOD BEGINNING
Perhaps you feel like you’ve collected all the “stuff” you’ll ever need. Or maybe you and your mate are minimalists, and have decided that fine china and crystal simply aren’t a fit for your lifestyle. Whatever the case, if you’re more motivated by altruism than accumulation, The Good Beginning might be a perfect fit for you. Founded by event planner Beth Helmstetter, who we had the pleasure of getting to know during our Marry at the Mulia familiarity trip, The Good Beginning is an online registry that helps couples donate to charitable causes throughout the world. While many charitable organizations are not set up to track multiple donations from small groups of people, The Good Beginning was created to do exactly that. Through this platform, couples can choose their preferred organizations and enjoy an interface that allows them to track gifts given in their honor. The Good Beginning even generates a list identifying who has given a gift, how much they have given, and which organization they have given to in order to make saying “thank you” as easy as possible. Explore a sample registry here!
ZOLA
This all-inclusive online site has streamlined and fine-tuned the wedding registry process with the goal of making life easier for couples. Thanks to their many partnerships, you’ll find it easy to register for staples from brands like KitchenAid and Le Creuset while also enjoying the ability to accept cash funds and honeymoon contributions. If you’ve already registered for items through another retailer, Zolaalso offers the ability to import registries so that all of your wishlists are collected in one place. Registries, by the way, are just the beginning. Need a wedding website? Zola provides hundreds of free templates. Looking to create save-the-dates and wedding invitations? You’ll find customizable options on Zola—some even coordinate with their website templates. The best news of all? It’s free!
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Have you discovered another fantastic online wedding registry tool? Tell us about it in the comments, and follow @dfwevents on Instagram for more wedding planning tips and inspiration!
You’ve spent months and months (or maybe years and years) planning your wedding. But you aren’t a traditionalist. Oh, no. You don’t want an elaborate ceremony attended by your entire community. You want to travel, to see the world. So why wait until the honeymoon to pack your bags when you can have a destination wedding? We hear you. Warm, tropical beaches where the sun and sand kiss your skin and blue ocean waves lap gently at your feet…what’s not to like about that?
You’ve got everything planned: the breezy dresses, the light suits, the plane tickets and hotel reservations. Everything except gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Most likely, your wedding party has been with you through thick and thin—maybe even helped you make decisions throughout the wedding planning process. Why not treat them with a gift that puts the “fun” in “functional” at your fabulous destination wedding?
If you’re looking for something fashionable that’s also versatile (a.k.a., can be used after the wedding), consider Warby Parker sunglasses! Warby Parker carries a variety of chic styles ranging from modern, to aviators, to those super-cute, Audrey-Hepburn-style shades. Their prices range from $95-$195, and each pair of sunglasses comes in a signature case with its own microfiber lens cloth. The best news of all: Warby Parker is now offering bulk-orders. If you’re really feeling generous and thinking about treating your ENTIRE guest list to a fun souvenir, you’ll be happy to know that for orders of 50 or more pairs of sunglasses, a free custom lens cloth is included with each frame.
There’s nothing more “fun”-ctional than a colorful, adorable, customizable tote! With these options from Spartina 449 (a brand we discovered during the Wed at the Westin FAM trip we coordinated), you can even buy a matching towel! If you’re looking for something a little more subdued, these durable canvas totes from Lands’ End are perfect. They’re customizable (hello, monograms) and they come in a variety of sizes.
Half the fun of sailing or lounging on the beach is having a drink in hand! With a to-go drink, you can take the festivities anywhere. These customizable YETI Ramblers are perfect for the guys and girls in your wedding party. Pick your style, color, and design. The azure skies of Cabo are pretty much the limit!
Presentation is key! Choose packaging that coordinates with your color palette, and find a special moment to present your wedding party with their gifts—like at your bridal brunch! | Karlisch Studio
Custom Luggage Tags
Maybe your destination wedding isn’t at the beach, though. Maybe you’re getting married at a dreamy Tuscan villa or majestic Scottish castle. If that’s the case, one of the most practical bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts to consider might be a custom luggage tag. Neiman Marcus has a variety of styles, colors, and materials to choose from here. You can personalize the luggage tags with the names—and even addresses—of your wedding party.
When it comes to destination weddings, there’s no gift with more potential than clothing. One item that many women forget to pack? A swimsuit coverup. Be the heroine for your bridesmaids with these options from Tommy Bahama. Speaking of Tommy Bahama, they also have a great selection of men’s swim trunks, ranging from more conservative colors and patterns to bold and bright statement makers. If those options are a bit too spendy, consider gifting guys and gals a waterproof bag for holding wet swimsuits on the plane ride home. We love this option from The Container Store! And for the glamorous maid of honor who loves to accessorize, why not a Panama hat or boater hat from Revolve?
Gifts for the bridesmaids | Karlisch Studio | See more from this destination wedding in Mexico here
There are so many wonderful ways to make your wedding party feel the love at your destination wedding. Happy gifting!
Want more?
Read our suggestions for bespoke gifts for grooms + groomsmen here.
