1. Fuchsia, Light Pink + Navy Blue; 2. Navy Blue, Shades of Pink + White; 
3. Fuchsia, Navy Blue, Powder Blue, Camel + Ivory 

1. Pantone Color Palettes. So many companies are using these color palettes that Pantone publishes every year. The 2012 color of the year is PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango. Events this year have really started to embrace this color as you can find it in foods, décor, invitations and clothing at events. Image from Signature Style by Shelia Ward.

2. Outdoor Furnishings. With event hosts looking for what is new, the outdoor event is an easy trend to follow. Events are not just located in the standard ballroom location but are also overflowing into exotic outdoor locals. With this move the furnishings need to be weather resistant while also keeping up with the modern style. Image from Designer8*.

3. Online Invites. With a lot of companies and event hosts looking for a way to go green with their event this couldn’t be an easier way. There are now a host of online event sites that you can choose from. Some of my favorite site to use are pingg, punchbowl and Paperless Post. 

4. Apps. Between Apple and Android you can find an app to download about anything, including event planning. There are an array of apps that can help the bride-to-be like Colorschemer, Prepare to Wed and Brides.  There are also event planning ones like Wedding Planner from The Knot, myBanquet and Event Planning for Your Business. With new apps coming out every day there is an endless amount of possibilities with apps. You can learn about more event planning apps from Katherine Gray’s story featured on USA Today. 

5. Social Media. With everyone having a Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, blog and whatever else account it is no wonder that social media has finally started becoming a staple in event planning. You can find events with live Tweeting, advertised through Facebook or being blogged about.

6. QR Codes. Following with our electronic trend craze, the QR code has gained popularity with companies over the past year and are now being used with events. You can link a video promoting your event or send the invitee to the event website now with the click of the QR code. QR codes are easy to create online and to add to any event. Try this code to see where it takes you!

7. Local Foods. Farmers markets are a weekly Saturday favorite of my family as well as restaurants. With the green movement continuing to grow you will start to see more restaurants and catering companies getting their produce from local suppliers. If you need a way to promote that your event is eco-friendly, supporting your local farmer’s market is a great way to achieve this. If you live in Virginia you can visit the Virginia Grown website to find a farmer's market near you.

8. Interactive Entertainment. If you ask anyone what their favorite event was that they attending they will probably tell you one that they were able to take part in. Providing an interactive experience at your event for your attendee increases the probability that the attendee with have a better time and also remember the event. Interactive entertain could include gaming areas, dancing, initiating the attendees 5 senses, wandering artists and photo favors. Here is a live performing acrobat at a holiday party that I helped with a few years ago.

9. Alternative Dining. Finding new and creative dining options provide event planner and designers a way to meet their client’s want of setting their event apart from the rest. Using a variety of seating options, antique furniture, or anything distressed, acrylic or mirrored can provide that alternative dining option. Using alternative dining options gives the planner a new decorating option when it comes to incorporating the theme. AFR furniture rental shows multiple ides when it comes to using alternative dining at an event.  

10. Custom Details. This is by far my favorite! Event customization can include creating personal monograms, incorporating family traditions and a lot of DIY details. I love using Etsy in helping with any event customization. As any preppy girl can tell you they love to customize anything and everything! Image from Caitlin Arnold Weddings.

Welcome back for Themed Thursday! With Memorial Day weekend coming up I thought it would be nice to coordinate today’s theme. When I think of Memorial Day parties I think red, white and blue and kicking off the start of summer. This year my family and I are all headed down to the beach for a fun filled weekend with friends.

No matter where you are celebrating your Memorial Day weekend you can easily put together a fun and patriotic celebration. Here are some great ways that you can dress up your own Memorial Day celebration. 

Just buy everything red, white and blue for the celebration from Courtney at Pizzazzerie

Create a fun red, white and blue place setting from Bright, Bold and Beautiful

Easy DIY Table decorating from Better Homes and Gardens

Add some festive DIY lighting for when the party goes into the evening from Better Homes and Gardens

Flowers are an easy way to add color and will last all summer long from Better Home and Gardens

What are you doing for Memorial Day weekend? Share your own plans in the comment section below! I’ll be posting pictures of my Memorial Day weekend next week and would love to hear what you did too! 

Check back tomorrow for a fun and easy Memorial Day food recipe. YUM! Also, don’t forget to sign-up for the email list on the “Follow Me” page and to following me on Twitter @PreppyPlanner.

xoxo
Megan