​I recently, started reading a book entitled, The Art of Gathering, How We Meet and Why It Matters, by Priya Parker, and could not help but think of how this relates to today’s weddings. Ms. Parker spends much of the book discussing the importance of why people get together and why it is important that we do. Weddings are one of the biggest gatherings people attend; some are memorable, others are not; some are meaningful, others are not. As a wedding planner, I attend lots of weddings and see the pressure put on a couple to have a perfectly planned and styled ceremony and reception. However, my favorite ones are the ones that are an extension of the couple’s personality and style.
So, I began to wonder, how can you have a wedding with purpose? We all know the purpose is to get married, right? But beyond that, what is your purpose in the planning of your wedding? Is it to out-do your friend’s wedding? Is it to say I have lots of money, creativity and imagination? Did you look online (i.e., Pinterest, Instagram, Google, etc.) and decide you wanted every single idea you saw?
My questions to you is, what is it about your wedding that you want to achieve? What is the most important “thing”? What do you think of: flowers, cake, venue, etc.?
In all honesty, I really hope the most important “thing” is the marriage itself, because if it isn’t then you should NOT get married! The purpose of a wedding is to celebrate that you have chosen someone to spend the rest of your life with. That alone should be a memorable and exciting experience. I’d like to suggest to the two of you getting married, look at your relationship and think about the things that make it special. Those are the things that you need to share with your family and friends at your wedding. Have it reflect your personalities, preferences and beliefs.
One of my most favorite weddings in the past year was held in a small chapel in the mountains. The couple had written their own vows, had a friend sing and play the guitar, and had her dad, a military chaplain, officiate. Guess what? I knew this couple’s heart when the ceremony was over. They shared their souls with us! Now, that was a just the wedding ceremony! They went on to have a beautiful reception, but I could not help but admire that they had spent just as much time thinking about the ceremony as they did the reception. It wasn’t the décor or the venue, or even the dress that made it special, it was them!
So, here’s my advice, think about the purpose for your wedding. What will it say about you and your fiancé? Also, what is going to make it memorable? Why would someone want to be at your wedding rather than a football game? Is it all the stuff your parents’ or you spent money on that they will be remembered? In the end, the thing that they will remember the most is what made it different from all the other weddings they went to this year. I attended a rehearsal dinner not long ago and the groom shared his heart with us, he told us how he met his soon to be wife and how much their love meant to him. The dinner was held in a beautiful venue with delicious food, but the speech that brought us all to tears is what I remember most. It also reminded me of how important a bond between husband and wife is and why we get married.
So, here is the thing, go to Pinterest, Instagram or your favorite bridal magazine and choose 3 pictures that speak to you. Ask your self, why? Is it truly because they say something about you or, does it say my wedding will be better than my friend’s or my cousin’s wedding? Be honest!  
Questions to ask yourself.

1. What do I want my guest to remember today?
2. How do we want to feel today?
3. How do I want my guest to feel today?
4. What is it about my venue that speaks to me? Will my family and friends feel comfortable here?
5. Will the décor I’m choosing reflect my personality and spirit?
6. Is the food beautiful and good?
7. Am I staying within my budget? (Be sure you have a budget!)
8. Who am I pleasing today? Be sure you are pleasing each other within your financial means.
9. Will my guest be glad they came?

Weddings are wonderful! Yours should be too! Just remember to let it reflect you and not a Pinterest board. If you share yourself, it will be a huge success and a warm memory to those in attendance.

​It is hard to believe it is almost time for schools to start back for a new year. Being a former teacher I always had mixed feelings about schools reopening. I felt sad because the wonderful lazy days of summer were over and it meant I would be getting up at the crack of dawn and going to bed at a decent time! On the other hand, I looked forward to meeting all my sweet young students with their new clothes and clean tennis shoes. I also looked forward to a new beginning, a chance to do better, to teach better and to make a positive mark on America’s future.
Now, you are probably asking what in the world does this have to do with event rentals and party planning? Well, in much the same way it is a time for new beginnings, it is a time to look at fresh ideas for the upcoming fall and spring bridal season, to gear up for fundraisers and a chance to offer ideas and help plan your important event. It is a time to look forward to meeting new brides and their fiancés, families and friends. It is also a time to reflect on what went well, works well and what’s new.
 I was thinking about what we at Berbank could do to help brides and their families. So, I decided to share some information about upcoming trends for the year. Let’s talk color. This year’s event professionals are planning to use a lot of the same blush pinks, ivories and whites, but there is also a push for some pops of color such as wine, deep greens, and even smoky blues. The dramatic use of greenery can show up everywhere, from tabletops to ceilings.
Themes for upcoming weddings that you can expect to see are forest, woodland, and garden…ah back to greenery everywhere! For those of you with a more modern outlook there is glamorous modern and the industrial look is on the rise. On the other hand, the rustic, romantic, vintage, bohemian, barn and fairytale themes are hanging in there. So, the way I see it there is a look for everyone!
Are you looking for the perfect venue? My advice is to choose not only a place that suits your budget but your style. For instance, if you are a rustic, woodland, or bohemian gal, a barn, a farm, winery, an outdoor space, or loft would probably be best. You really do not need to remake the space if you choose carefully.
Are you looking for traditional elegance? Then a country club, private dinning club, elegant hotel ballroom or old home would be great and not a lot of décor work is even required. Usually you can focus on florals and tablescapes to achieve a beautiful result.
Thinking it must be outdoors? Then your options are limitless, just remember you need a plan B in case of rain. My advice is to choose a space you can cover with a tent, a covered pavillion or already has an indoor option. Keep in mind that adding a tent can be costly and obstruct the view you were planning on being a focal point. Above all, don’t say it is not going to rain and make no plan, if you do it will certainly downpour!
Should I even mention Pinterest? Well, here is my point of view on Pinterest. It is such a great tool for getting ideas, deciding on the style and colors you desire. The problem I find is that most of us are unrealistic in the cost of many of the ideas we see. If you have tons of help and creative people in your life, then go the DIY approach and get your dreams fulfilled. However, if time, money and lack of help are what best describes you then be prepared to spend some money. Draping the gym at your church is going to be expensive. It takes yards of fabric, hanging accessories and a lift. So, before you get your heart set on It, get pricing. It may be just as cheap to rent another venue.
I’m attaching some photos of recent projects and looks to consider.  Enjoy the end of your summer and come see us on those hot days of August and September when it is just too unbearable to be outside. Follow me on Pinterest and look out for my next post!