Sequins, Champagne and Kissing - Oh My!

New Years Eve is approaching, let the countdown to fab events and 2010 begin!

If you are hosting a primo party this Thursday here are a few handy tips to keep in mind!

1. If you have too many guests and too little champagne glasses for a NYE toast you can save on money and purchase the plastic imitation champagne flutes at Target. Cheap? Perhaps. But by midnight no one will be caring about presentation.
2. Looking for "NYE" platters to decorate your hors d'oeuvre table? Purchase silver and gold chargers at your local Safeway for only $2 - $3 apiece!
3. Create a rock'n New Years Eve playlist full of dance favorites to keep guests entertained. Don't forget "The Final Countdown" by Europe!
4. Set a reminder in your phone so that if you have a few too many cocktails you won't miss the moment for a big group countdown!
5. Make sure to save a few bottles of chilled champagne for the stroke of midnight!
6. Keep the taxi cab numbers close by for friends who need a ride home! Make sure to call early, its a busy night!

Whether you are hosting, attending or holding down the couch on the 31st Clutch Events wishes you a wonderful NYE!

Now Hair This!

I have officially found my favorite new accessory for the Winter (and odds are much longer)! I have always loved funky hairpieces and tried to use the 'Holiday Season' as an excuse to adventure out with hip new head wear. But Violet Magpies amazing hair ornaments brings my intrigue to a level of obsession!

Jen Carrigan is the owner and creative mastermind behind Violet Magpie, which is responsible for making vintage and handmade designs. She combines unique one offs from estate sales, antique stores and flea market finds and adds a modern twist using feathers, broaches and more.

What I love about her wedding collection is that she offers the standard white/cream pieces that can serve a more tradition bride as well as pass for a modern veil. But if you are looking for bright colors and brilliant feathers, she has you covered!! Want the best of both worlds? Wear a more elegant piece during the ceremony and trade it in for a peacock feather during your reception! Badabing badaboom, you are fab in an instant!

You can find Violet Magpie at some local shops such as Pretty Parlor, Velouria, La Rousse and Gossamer.

Oh, and we also love Violet Magpie because they don't just selleth, they giveth away as well! A percentage of profits go to support organizations such as the WIL Fund, empowering women in developing countries and breaking cycles of poverty by providing business loans. Kudos!

Lesley and Chris make a hot night COOL!

July 25th marked the middle of summer and the busiest day in Seattle! Parades running through down town? Check! Mariners game? Check! Sounders game? Check! Sweating in the sun temp? Check! Super awesome couple getting hitched in Shilshole Bay Beach Club? Chaaa Eccckkk!

Lesley Sheehan and Chris Jackson met three years prior at a friends BBQ. She was quasi new to Seattle from the East Coast (Springsteen Country) and he was set on moving to North Carolina that very next week. After that night she continues to listen to The Boss (duh) and he never left...

Some super fun unique items about this wedding you ask?? Let's put aside his awe-inspiring chops and her hip style for a second OK? Each table had there own cake set upon an exalted homemade cake stand with funky toppers, the guests were entertained for hours with a fantabulous photobooth and the photography from Jenn Repp kept cheesy grins on faces during the sunset of a life time until the moon came up!

And as Perez would say....Completely Gratuitous Moment! Me with the Bride and Groom!

Luckily this isn't the last you have seen of Chris and Lesley...stay tuned!

Moonlighting at Moon Mansion

There is a great group of wedding industry gals that chum around and see all that there is to see in the greater Seattle area while talking shop and sharing ideas! Our last adventure was at the fabulous Moon Mansion in North Bend. The mansion just recently opened up for events! With a grand staircase straight out of a romance novel and views to capture a crowd I'm sure it is going to book up fast!

Part of the evenings entertainment included the fabulous Sequoia Leopold of My Flawless Tan who applied her awesome airbrush makeup, a wonderful meal from the gals at Three Chicks Catering and fun photos done by Carrie Stark of Elegant Images and Stark Naked Photography.

Here are some of the fun shots snapped during the night by Carrie Stark.

Me! Megan Clark of Clutch Events

Kaycee Parker - Parker Events

Erin Lindeman - Lindeman Wedding and Events

Nems - Three Chicks Catering

Not pictured is the planner who coordinated the evening, BreeAnn Gayle with Pink Blossom Events, thanks BreeAnn!

Rabuor Village Partners Fundraiser Success!

With the help of Seattle's Wurst Restaurant, Shultzy's, last Sunday's Rabuor Village Partner's 1st Annual Fundraiser was a huge success! Throughout the evening RVP was able to raise just over $17,000 for the project!

Clutch Events is very proud to donate a percentage of all events to the non profit organization. RVP's mission is simple; To partner with communities in rural Africa as they develop self sustainable solutions to overcome the challenges of poverty and HIV/AIDS.

If you would like to learn more about the Rabuor Village Partners please check out their website, www.rabuorvillageproject.org.

Fall Over Colors No Longer!

College has started, football is on TV and the leaves have officially began to change colors! Fall has arrived! Shades of red, maroon and orange are filling the streets and sidewalks. This color palette makes for a great wedding! But don't think that seasonal colors are the only way to go for your upcoming nuptials! This fall isn't just about pumpkins and turning leaves anymore!

The newest color trends can take you from October all the way through February this year!

Charcoal, Grey, Silver, Plum, Purple, Lavender

Yes, they are fabulous colors, but you can turn them into fab textures too! Combine satin lavender bridesmaid dresses with charcoal wool suits for the men. Velour ribbon is the perfect wrap for your bouquets. Make a chilly afternoon wedding into a hot event with the warmth from heavy fabrics and deep colors!

Is your wedding a formal evening event? Add some sparkle with silver or champagne table toppers! Glittered votives or mirrored centerpiece bases will add light and panache!

Have fun and get creative with these cool shades!

To Mic or Not To Mic, That is the Question?!

"How was Angie's wedding last night?"

"It was super fun!"

"I bet the ceremony was beautiful!"

"Actually, I couldn't hear a word. The officiant didn't wear a microphone."

"Oh, lame."

Don't let this be a conversation your guests have after your wedding! Sure you are offering free food and cocktails, but don't forget your guests attend your wedding to actually witness you getting married! If they can't hear you or the officiant it will make for a lousy ceremony for your guests.

How can you avoid such a situation? Simply get a microphone for your officiant! A mic will allow both you and the officiant to be heard clearly wherever you get married. And don't fret about it being an eye sore or in the way of your special moment, you can rent a lapel microphone that the officiant can wear that are barely noticeable to the crowd.

Welcome to the Clutch Events Blog!

Thank you for reading the Clutch Event Blog! This is a place where you can come to get tips for your upcoming wedding, get a sneak peak at the latest trends, find out about upcoming events and read some funny stories! I hope you enjoy!