Memorable Moments YOUR RGV EVENT PLANNING GUIDE
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Memorable
Y O U R
Moments
R G V E V E N T P L A N N I N G G U I D E
ISSUE NO. O1 SUMMER 2019
Choosing a Venue Quinceanera Choosing a Menu
Factors to consider before The origins of the Tips from the professionals
choosing a venue. celebration. on choosing an event menu.
p. 4 p. 6 p. 11
Memorable
Moments Your RGV Event Planning Guide
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Advertising
Team
Representative Representative Representative
Have a story idea or would like to
Jonas
Vergara
Orlando
Gutierrez
Beth
Daniels
advertise? Please contact
LindaMedrano@AimMediaTx.com
AIM Media 2019
Ad Director Representative Representative Representative
Linda Emily Cesar Kristin
Medrano Anderson Castillo Appell
Our primary goal is to help local businesses grow their business.
We are a media company - we represent several recognized
publications including Valley Morning Star, Brownsville Herald,
El Nuevo Heraldo, El Extra, Valley Women Inspire Magazine,
Coastal Current, Mid Valley Town Crier, The Monitor and now
we are introducing Memorable Moments.
Our portfolio is compiled of not only our print publications, but
we also have extremely competitive digital packages to help your
business grow.
Included in our portfolio are all types of advertising solutions,
whether it be print, digital, direct mail, magazines, wrappers,
post-it notes, specialized targeted publications and whatever
else we can think of to help your business grow. Let us help you
put a program together that will help you market your business
and within your budget.
-Linda Medrano
Advertising Director
2 • MEMORABLE MOMENTS SUMMER 2019
BR-30132677 SUMMER 2019 MEMORABLE MOMENTS • 3
Factors To Consider Before
Choosing a Wedding venue
O
nce couples become give ample consideration to a host married. While that can help property damage or incidents
engaged and share the of factors before choosing where with the planning, it can also related to alcohol. Couples may
good news with their to get married. limit couples with regard to their also want to make the investment
friends and families, the next venue options. Some venues in cancellation/postponement
step is to begin planning their Size may be booked for as much as a insurance, and some venues may
weddings. While couples must Until they can agree on a guest year or more in advance during even require it.
make a myriad of decisions list, couples might want to delay peak wedding season. The Real
during the wedding planning even looking for venues. However, Weddings Study found that the Financials
process, perhaps none is more some couples might want to most popular months to get It’s easy for couples to be focused
significant than where to tie the first look at some venues so they married in 2016 were October on the bottom line when choosing
knot. can determine just how many and September. Couples who wedding venues, but it’s also
According to The Knot 2016 guests they can afford to invite. hope to follow in the footsteps of important that they get a complete
Real Weddings Study, the average Whether they’re hosting small many 2016 brides and grooms grasp of the financials before
cost of a wedding for couples who affairs or large parties, couples may need to book their wedding choosing a wedding venue. Ask
married in 2016 was $35,329. should choose venues that can venues well in advance. Those about the amount of the initial
That’s a sizable amount, and a comfortably accommodate all of who can be more flexible deposit and if that deposit is
big portion of that was spent their guests. If possible, look for regarding their wedding dates refundable. In addition, ask when
on the wedding venue. The venues with multiple reception may find it easier to book their the deposit is due and when each
Real Weddings Study found areas, which might allow for some dream venues. subsequent payment is due until
that couples spent an average of wiggle room if the guest list grows the balance is paid in full. This
$16,107 on their wedding venues or dwindles during the planning Insurance can make budgeting easier and
in 2016. That figure easily dwarfs process. Ask about the venue’s insurance planning less stressful.
the next biggest expense ($6,163 policies, including the policies Couples should have fun
for the engagement ring) for Availability the venue has to protect itself. choosing their wedding venues
couples tying the knot. Some couples might have an In addition, ask if the venue while recognizing that certain
Because the wedding venue ideal time of year they hope to requires couples to have their own factors must be given ample
comes with such a potentially get married. Some even know wedding liability insurance for consideration before signing any
high sticker price, couples should the exact date they hope to get protection in the event of injury, contracts.
Once couples become engaged
and share the good news with
their friends and families, the next
step is to begin planning their
weddings. While couples must
make a myriad of decisions during
the wedding planning process,
perhaps none is more significant
than where to tie the knot.
4• MEMORABLE MOMENTS SUMMER 2019
501 E. Ringgold St., Brownsville, TX 78520
(Across from Gladys Porter Zoo)
• WEDDINGS
• QUINCEAÑERAS
• BANQUETS
• BABY SHOWERS
• BRIDAL SHOWERS
• PROMS
• SPECIAL EVENTS
• MEETING AND MORE... Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday -Friday
Yoli Perez Ayala
Community Center Coordinator
501 E. Ringold St.
Brownsville, TX 78520
Ph: (956) 547-6850
Fax: (956) 547-6879
For more information,
yolip@cob.us contact us at (956) 547-6850
http://rcp.cob.us
SUMMER 2019 MEMORABLE MOMENTS • 5
The
Origins of Quinceañera
Celebrations
Different cultures mark the passage of time in unique ways. Most include lavish
celebrations to welcome people into the next chapter of their lives. At age 13, Jewish
children celebrate their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The Japanese use the twenty-first birthday
as the time to recognize young men and women as adults. And for people of
Hispanic heritage, the fifteenth birthday is often a time for special observance.
What is a quinceañera? celebrations are viewed differently. Some are
A quinceañera is the name given to a girl simply a big birthday party, while others may
who has turned 15 and the coming-of-age have religious overtones. Still others include
celebration in her honor. A quinceañera Aztec influences and references to their
may also be referred to as ‘Fiesta de quince indigenous heritage.
años.’ Legend states that girls were deemed
eligible for marriage at age 15; otherwise, Where are quinceañeras celebrated?
they would become nuns. Therefore, Quinceañera celebrations are popular
in the years leading up until their among people who trace their heritage
fifteenth birthdays, these young to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and
women would learn all of the Portugal. These celebrations also are wildly
skills necessary to run a popular in those areas of the United States
household and manage and the United Kingdom that are home to
a family. It’s believed high concentrations of Hispanics.
the fifteenth birthday Some have compared the quinceañera
milestone originated celebration to the debutante balls of the past
with ancient Aztecs, or networking parties that still take place in
who felt 15-year- many wealthy families.
old boys were
now old enough Common quinceañera traditions
to be warriors Each family brings its own interpretation
and 15-year-old to these celebrations, but many quinceañera
girls were now parties are very similar. The following are
women. some popular quinceañera traditions.
Today, ■ A church blessing is bestowed on the
quinceañera birthday girl.
is more of a ■ The guest of honor wears a pastel, princess-
symbolic passage style gown.
from childhood ■ Fourteen male and female attendants and
into womanhood. escorts, called damas and chambelanes,
Depending on participate, representing the previous 14
celebrants’ years of life.
backgrounds, ■ The guest of honor will give a porcelain
quinceañera doll to a younger sister to signify leaving
childhood behind.
■ The birthday girl will also change from flat
shoes into high-heels to represent becoming
a young woman.
■ The quinceañera will dance the first dance
with her father.
Quinceañeras are quite popular,
and these heritage-rich parties
still play significant roles in
connecting Hispanics
with their roots.
6 • MEMORABLE MOMENTS SUMMER 2019
A FREE quarterly magazine
that empowers, energizes and
enlightens any woman in the Rio Grande Valley.
It is a collection of local stories and images focusing on fashion,
health, fitness and cuisine.
AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOW VALLEY
WOMEN INSPIRE ON
SUMMER 2019 MEMORABLE MOMENTS • 7
Wedding Dress
Fittings are a part of
wedding planning, and
here’s how brides-to-be
Fitting Guide
can navigate the process of
finding and being fitted for
a dress.
B
ecause fashion preferences Once a gown is chosen, the dress
were once ornate and shop will take your measurements
dependent on precise fits, and order the gown according to the
ready-to-wear clothing really did not manufacturer’s sizing guide. Again,
become widely available until the this can be shocking, since the size
early 20th century. Such attire is now will likely be larger than what you
available in just about any retail store. wear in street clothes. Some shops
will also order a little larger to allow
for adequate tailoring.
■ Schedule the first fitting. The
first fitting should be anywhere
from eight to 12 weeks before the
wedding date, according to experts
at WeddingWire, an online wedding
information provider. This is the time
it takes to complete most standard
alterations. Complex customizations
can take even longer. Brides should
also budget a minimum of $500 for
alterations, which may or may not be
included in the price of the dress.
■ Bring shoes and undergarments.
Remember to bring along the exact
shoes and undergarments you will
wear with your gown. A change in
shoes or bra/corset can result in the
alterations fitting poorly the next
time. Bring these items along to all
subsequent fittings.
■ Speak up. Martha Stewart
Weddings suggests speaking up at
Because ready-to-wear clothing is so fittings if anything is uncomfortable
readily available, the average person or needs tweaking. Seamstresses are
may be unfamiliar with custom-made masters at their crafts, but only if
or tailored items. In fact, a couples’ they understand the desires of the
wedding may be the only instance bride.
in their lives when they require the
services of a seamstress or tailor. ■ Check the details. The second
Fittings are a part of wedding fitting is designed to check that all
planning, and here’s how brides-to-be issues from the first fitting have been
can navigate the process of finding addressed, the gown is comfortable
and being fitted for a dress. and you can move freely. At the last
fitting, ask the maid of honor to
■ Try on sample gowns. The first step come along so that she understands
is to make your rounds to various how to bustle or help you handle
gown shops and try on the samples complicated straps or closures.
they have available. Most sample Open communication with a
sizes will not be the size you wear seamstress and bridal shop can
every day, so expect them to be ensure brides-to-be get a dress that
ill-fitting. Do not be discouraged. fits like a glove.
8 • MEMORABLE MOMENTS SUMMER 2019
Thank you, Valley Morning Star
readers, for voting us
the Best Reception Place!
Rea
er
er
nn
s’ C i
d
Oak Hill Event Center serves as an hoice W
outdoor venue for various types of celebrations.
We take pride in our location and uphold our staff
to the highest of standards. When booking with Oak
Hill Event Center, all details regarding your event are
checked twice to ensure your requests are fulfilled.
1780 US-77 | San Benito, TX | 956.399.7711 | OakHillEventCenter.com
BR-30133693
en Español
INSPIRE, a quarterly magazine that empowers, energizes and
enlightens any woman in the Rio Grande Valley. It is a collection
of local stories and images focusing on fashion, health, fitness
and cusisine.
Call Today!
Follow INSPIRE on:
SUMMER 2019 MEMORABLE MOMENTS • 9
Tips For Choosing a
Honeymoon Destination
choose can go a long way toward more to their liking.
Couples planning their honeymoons making that happen, and couples
want to get the most for their money while can consider various factors as Budget
they work together to choose a Budget is a strong consideration
also ensuring their first trip together as locale for their honeymoons. for many couples as they plan
their honeymoons. Because
newlyweds is as memorable as possible. Activity level honeymoons can be expensive,
Some couples might want their couples who don’t want to sacrifice
The destination couples choose can go a honeymoons to be filled with on their first trip together as
activities, while others might a married couple can begin
long way toward making that happen, prefer more low-key trips spent planning their trips early, even
and couples can consider various factors relaxing at seaside resorts. Couples looking for ways to cut costs on
can discuss which types of trips their ceremonies and receptions
as they work together to choose a locale for they prefer and be willing to if their honeymoons are a bigger
compromise if their desires differ. priority.
their honeymoons. When planning their
Travel honeymoons, couples also can
Some couples may prefer to travel take steps to save money. For
O
nce couples have tied the their honeymoons, but those throughout their honeymoons, example, delaying a trip until a
knot, hit the reception heading overseas can expect to while others may want to stay at few months after the wedding
dance floor and thanked pay thousands of dollars on such the same resort for the duration can help covers get back on their
their friends and family for getaways. Couples planning their of their trips. Couples who want financial feet and enjoy their
joining them, their thoughts honeymoons want to get the to travel may find a backpacking dream getaways. Couples visiting
might start looking ahead to their most for their money while also trip to Europe is a romantic way to resorts also may want to opt for
honeymoons. ensuring their first trip together indulge their sense of adventure, all-inclusive packages, which can
Statistics vary in regard to as newlyweds is as memorable as while those who prefer something provide great value, particularly
how much couples spend on possible. The destination couples more quiet may find a beach resort on food and beverages.
10 • MEMORABLE MOMENTS SUMMER 2019Tips For Choosing a Wedding Reception Menu
W
eddings are memorable Some wedding venues are tied the knot in 2017, the average food. While specialty entrées
for a host of reasons. known for their stunning wedding hosted 136 guests. While might not be a great choice,
While couples landscapes, while others build couples might be tempted by especially at large receptions
remember their weddings their reputations on unique specialty dishes when choosing where lots of mouths must be
because they mark the day they interiors that provide unforgettable their wedding menus, couples fed, a couple who has a favorite
officially tied the knot, guests may ambiance. But regardless of who are hosting dozens, if not food that’s symbolic of their
remember weddings for other where weddings take place, guests hundreds, of guests should keep relationship should not hesitate to
reasons, including the food served are liable to discuss the food things simple. offer it during the cocktail hour.
at the reception. served at the reception. Guests ■ Consider potential allergies. For example, a couple who met
might rave about the escargot or In regard to entrées, make sure in Thailand may want to offer a
complain that the fish was flaky, guests with food allergies can favorite Thai dish.
but couples who choose reception choose something that won’t make ■ Offer an elaborate dessert. The
menus wisely can go a long way them sick. According to Food last bite guests will take is dessert,
toward ensuring there are more Allergy Research & Education¨, an so couples who want their guests
compliments than complaints once organization devoted to improving to go home raving about the food
the dinner bell rings. the quality of life of individuals may want to offer something
■ Don’t zero in on specialties. with food allergies, some common special after the entrées have been
According to The Knot 2017 Real foods cause the majority of allergic taken away. Some guests may not
Weddings Study, a survey of nearly reactions. Peanuts, soy, sesame, indulge, but those who do might
13,000 brides and grooms who and shellfish are among the most end their nights thinking about
common food allergies, according the delicious dessert they enjoyed
to FARE¨. FARE also notes that as the festivities drew to a close.
allergies to wheat, milk and eggs If the dessert is especially unique,
are common in children. While offer something more traditional
such foods can still be served at alongside it for more hesitant
wedding receptions, make sure to guests.
also include foods that are unlikely Choosing a wedding menu
to trigger allergic reactions. should be fun. Menus should
Couples can even ask guests to reflect not only couples’ tastes but
inform them of any food allergies. also include some popular foods so
■ Don't hesitate to offer a favorite no one goes home hungry.
STEFANO'S BROOKLYN PIZZA
Let us be your personal chef for your special event.
4201 W Business 83
Harlingen, Texas 78552
(956) 425-6281
HA-30132695
stefanosbrooklynpizza.com
SUMMER 2019 MEMORABLE MOMENTS • 11Birthday Party Pointers To
Make Kids, Parents Happy
C
hildhood is filled with and all-encompassing bashes. about the party at school or at a few hours.
many memorable But many children simply extracurricular activities. Doing
moments. Among the want parties that allow them to so many offend those classmates ■ Plan for additional guests.
more memorable are children’s participate in an activity they who are not on the guest list. Part of planning for the
birthday parties. During their enjoy, eat sweets and share the Send invites directly to homes unexpected includes being able
children’s formative years, parents experience with their closest rather than distributing them to accommodate a few extra
may wrestle with ideas, themes, friends. Recognizing this can help at school so that no one feels children. You never know when
etiquette, and more as they plan parents keep their workloads and excluded. a sibling will have to tag along
birthday parties to remember. budgets in check. or a last-minute invite pops up,
Hosting birthday parties that ■ Develop backup plans. There’s so keep some extra snacks and
touch on all the right notes can be ■ Trim the guest list. Parents no accounting for the weather, favors on hand just in case.
easier if parents follow a handful should not feel the need to illness, venue cancellations, or
of strategies that many parents invite every acquaintance to food flops. Always have a plan ■ Open gifts after guests leave.
have been employing for years. their children’s birthday parties. B (and, ideally, a plan C and Opening gifts is time-consuming,
Parents understandably don’t plan D) so that the kids can stay and young children may not be
■ Involve your child. Chances want to exclude or offend anyone entertained. adept at filtering their comments.
are your son or daughter has been by leaving them off the guest list. No one should go home feeling
plotting out ideas for his or her However, try to limit the guests ■ Encourage drop-and-go. their gift was not appreciated.
party since last year’s festivities to around 10, including the guest Hosting young children can
ended. Ask questions about of honor. This makes the entire be stressful. And when parents
what he or she would like to do party more manageable. attend the party as well, Keep children’s
this year. Seek your child’s input entertaining duties expand to an
on the guest list and preferred ■ Keep it quiet. entirely different level. Recruit birthday parties simple
theme. Playing an active roll in Make sure another helper or two and be sure so guests and hosts
party planning can make kids your child parents know you are comfortable
even more excited about their avoids bragging with them not staying have as much fun as
birthday parties. for the party. They possible.
may even appreciate
■ Focus on fun and your looking after
making your child their children for
feel special.
Some parents
feel birthday
parties must
be expensive
12 • MEMORABLE MOMENTS SUMMER 2019Taking a Hands-on Invitation Approach
I
nvitations are a key component luxurious the invitations will feel.
of wedding planning. Not only Quality stock also costs more. Printing companies
can invitations set the tone for Wedding invitations should be Options abound in regard to
a wedding — giving guests an idea printed on substantial stock so they in-store and online printing
of whether it is formal or casual don’t bend or feel flimsy. Industry companies. Many companies offer
while offering clues to the theme experts say that 100 percent cotton self-service design templates that
— but also they are essential for paper is the most costly paper. enable customers to tweak text
conveying important information Couples can choose from linen and placement of some graphic
about the festivities. stock and textured surfaces as well. elements and then have the
While it was once common to Expect to pay more for natural or invitations printed and shipped
work with a specialized printing handmade papers. Those concerned to their homes. Companies may
and engraving company when about price can choose the highest- provide stock samples and examples
ordering wedding invinations, quality stock within budget and of lettering so that couples can
couples tying the knot now have then play with other invitation touch and see the invitations prior
more options. Due in large part elements to conserve funds. to placing an order. may take some trial and error (and
to computer and internet access, wasted paper) to perfect alignment
and myriad user-friendly design Engraving and letterpress At-home printing and achieve the desired look.
applications, it’s easier than ever Engraving and letterpress One of the more accessible DIYers also need to know about
to design high-quality wedding techniques are an art form and invitation production methods is ‘bleed’ designs. According to the
invitations. create unique wedding invitations. at-home printing. However, there advice site A Practical Wedding,
According to the wedding industry Engraving creates raised lettering are some limitations when printing bleed is a printing term for design
survey site TheWeddingReport. while letterpress presses the at home. For example, couples elements or images extending
com, the average price for 150 lettering into the paper. Many who do not have a high-end beyond the trim edge so that
invitations and response cards is people do not have the equipment printer may find that the text on unwanted white space is eliminated.
$245. To maximize efficiency and necessary to produce these designs their invitations is not as crisp and Again, it may take some practice to
come away with wedding stationery at home, and if they want a truly the ink may smudge. Also, paper get the desired look.
they will love, couples can employ high-end invitation, they’ll need to options may be limited to what the Couples have many different
the following tips and techniques. use a professional printing service. tray feeder can accommodate. Stock options when designing their
Thermography is an alternative that that is 80 pounds or 12-point stock wedding invitations, and some may
Start with the paper can deliver raised print using heat is preferable, but anything more even be able to design and produce
The heavier the stock, the more and special inks. may jam around the print head. It their own.
• Party Supplies • Balloons
• Costumes • Piñatas
• Cake Supplies • Bulk Candy
715 S. Lewis Lane • Harlingen, TX 78552 • 956-428-4202 • www.henrysparty.com
BR-30131439
SUMMER 2019 MEMORABLE MOMENTS • 13Succesful Event
Planning Strategies
Other occasions call on individuals to organize professional events,
such as conferences or large scale presentations. Whether planning
personal celebrations or professional gatherings, event planning can
be challenging.
L
ife is full of events and milestones notch venue that will ensure guests Such skills can serve people well in their
worthy of celebration. Other walk away satisfied. personal and professional lives.
occasions call on individuals to
organize professional events, such as Fill their stomachs
conferences or large scale presentations. People who have had
Whether planning personal celebrations enough to eat may
or professional gatherings, event be more inclined to
planning can be challenging. have a good time. At
professional events, a
Getting started well-fed audience
Event planners must analyze various may be more
things before they can hit the ground receptive to the
running. These include answering message being
questions, such as: presented. Event
■ What is the purpose of the event? planners should
■ Is there a certain theme? give careful
■ How many people will be invited? consideration to
■ What are the goals of the event? the types of food
■ What is the budget? and beverages
■ What kind of help is available? that will be served.
Answering these questions will Buffet-style may
provide those tasked with planning be easier for larger
events a solid foundation on which to crowds. However,
build the events. if the goal is a
lavish event, a
Build a solid team sit-down meal can
Planning an event is a tall task, but help achieve the
a trusted group of helpers can lighten right ambiance.
planners’ loads. Event planners should
play to their teams’ strengths and Promote well
delegate tasks accordingly. For example, Those invited to the event
a natural salesperson can be tasked with should be informed well in advance
negotiating rates on venues or vendor so they can make plans to attend. If
services, while a bookkeeper can keep the event is a fundraiser or designed
track of the budget. for a specific marketing goal, event
planners will need to promote the
Find the right venue function well to ensure substantial
A venue can make or break an event. attendance.
That makes selecting a venue crucial.
Things that need to be considered Offer a take-away
include proximity to where people live; Whether a swag bag, small gift or
availability of transportation to and another token, event planners should
from the event; hotel accommodations budget for gifts that guests can take
nearby; parking; event space; and other home with them. Such gifts increase the
factors, such as a stage or podium or likelihood that guests will remember
other special equipment, as they apply the event fondly and may generate
to the event. Sometimes it is worth positive feedback from guests.
spending a little extra to secure a top- Event planning skills are important.
14 • MEMORABLE MOMENTS SUMMER 2019¡HAREMOS TU SUEÑO REALIDAD!
BODAS • XV AÑOS • ANIVERSARIOS Y MAS
NUESTRO SERVICIO INCLUYE:
SALON
MANTELERIA
CENTROS DE MEZA
PLATILLOS
SEVICIOS DE LOZA
SERVICIO DE MESEROS
NOW OFFERING CATERING AND
DECORATING SERVICE FOR ANY
OTHER VENUE IN THE AREA!
956-372-3996
3620 RUBEN M. TORRES BLVD. BROWNSVILLE, TX
SUMMER 2019 MEMORABLE MOMENTS • 15BR-30131437
You can also read
