Event Design Class | University of Akron

{Image by Arielle Doneson Photography}

Want to learn all about event design?! We are teaching a class through the University of Akron this October! If you love organizing, planning parties for friends and family, and have an eye for the finer details, this is a great opportunity for you.

Starting Oct. 9 through Oct. 30, class will be held every Tuesday night from 6-8 PM. It's $149.00 for all four weeks and will be held in Gallucci Hall, room 154. Register online today :)

Escort Cards vs. Place Cards

{Place Card Image by Shannon Kelley Photography}

Brides are often confusing escort cards and place cards - sometimes they aren't really even sure what purpose they serve or if they even need them.  I thought I'd take some time today to explain the difference and the reason behind both!

Escort Cards
Escort cards are the first thing your guests see when they enter your reception venue.  These little bad boys let people know what table they'll be sitting at.  Escort cards are incredibly useful because they let your guests know you took the time to think about who they would have an enjoyable evening sitting with.  Having table numbers assigned also cuts down on unused place settings - you'll have each table filled to its capacity and will know exactly how many you need.  Many times when escort cards aren't used there are empty seats at tables because an odd number sat at the table - rarely will one guest come and fill that vacant seat.  Also, if you have a large family attending your wedding they might have to sit separately if they aren't assigned a table ahead of time.

Escort cards should be arranged alphabetically by last name.  It's great to have a few people act as greeters to help people find their cards and speed up the process.  The cards can be written with a single guest's name or with couples/families - either way is acceptable, your decision may be made due to space availability or cost savings.  The cards should have the table number or name displayed on them.  An escort card addressed for an unmarried couple should list the guest who is closest with the couple first.

Creating a seating arrangement for your wedding can be incredibly stressful, but I swear it eases the anxiety on the actual day making all the work worth it!  It's also a fun way to show off your creative side by designing a gorgeous display for your escort cards :o)


Place Cards
Place cards assign your guests a specific place at their reception table.  These cards are 100% necessary for the head table where the bridal party will be seated - it creates much needed organization.  For guest tables, place cards are usually needed when serving a sit-down meal - they will denote what the guest is having so the server knows where to place each plate.  Place cards may also be helpful in situations where divorced parents will be seated at the same table, but should not be placed beside one another.

I hope that was helpful and you feel you learned a little something today ;o)  As always, we're here if you have any questions or need advice!

REMINDER :: Deadline for DIY "I Do!" is Tomorrow!

{Image by T. Marie Photography}

Baci's Wedding Planning Workshop, DIY "I Do!" is just around the corner! Baci's Lead Designer and Coordinator, Amanda, the University of Akron's Workforce Development and Continuing Education and the Akron Art Musem are offering a one day workshop for newly engaged couples or wedding helpers (mothers, bridesmaids, friends and family!), to learn the ropes of planning a successful wedding!

The workshop is this Saturday, March 3rd from 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM at the Akron Art Museum.  Lunch and a cake tasting will be provided for all attendees.  Also, we'll have a fabulous tablescape set up and information from some of our preferred vendors to help boost your creative ideas! :)

The deadline to sign up for this seriously awesome class is tomorrow,  Monday, February 27th so be sure not to miss this great opportunity!

Here's a small preview of some our topics for the day...

YAY - I’m ENGAGED!!!! OMG, What Do I Do Now?!?!?

Learn the steps to take first and what comes next after saying, “Yes!”.

Does Tangerine go with Mocha?

How to choose a color palette for your big day – the rules and regulations.

Mason Jars and Vintage Cars

The Internet and Bridal Magazines are chocked full of inspiration – learn the best way to utilize them!

You Charge How Much?!?!

Learn what ballpark prices to expect from vendors and why they deserve it.

Do I Get Printing Rights with That?

Get the right questions to ask possible vendors; learn what you can expect from them and what they expect from you!

I’m Freaking Out Here!!!!

Professionals carry their title for a reason – when in doubt, hire one!

If you haven't registered, go to the University's Course Catalog Listing and sign up now!

Wedding Wednesday | Event Design Course with The University of Akron

Image by Shannon Kelley Photography

Last week I announced the DIY "I Do!" Workshop I'll be teaching at the Akron Art Museum on Saturday, March 3rd (Haven't signed up yet?  Go here before the course fills up!)  . . . and now I'm announcing another seriously awesome class in collaboration with The University of Akron's Workforce Development and Continuing Education Department - Event Design!!

The Event Design Course is perfect for those of you who already love planning parties and hosting events.  We'll focus on what makes a great event and learn how to spice up the details for social affairs like dinner parties, baby showers, weddings, corporate events and more!

The course will be held at the Quirk Cultural Center here in Cuyahoga Falls each Tuesday starting on March 6th until March 27th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  So head on over to the University's Course Catalog Listing and sign up - we'd love to see you there :o)

Wedding Wednesday | Happy Birthday to baci Winner + A DIY "I Do!" Workshop

Happy Wedding Wednesday!!!

A big thank you to all that entered our Happy Birthday to baci Giveaway and for all your kind words :o)  You all really are so sweet!!

Without further delay, the winner of all three shirley | edith Birthday Card Designs is. . . . Julie!  Congratulations, Lady - if you'll email me {amanda@bacidesigner.com} with your mailing address I'll send the cards out to you. . . and since we love our fans so much I'll throw in the card you chose as your favorite!

Now for some more seriously exciting news - I, in collaboration with the University of Akron's Workforce Development & Continuing Education Department and the Akron Art Museum, will be offering a one day workshop for newly engaged couples and others involved in the wedding planning process (think bridesmaids and moms!) called A DIY "I Do!"!!  With topics focusing on staying calm throughout the planning process to putting together a day-of timeline, this course will help you stay on track until the big day!

Here's a little sneak peek at a few of the other topic titles we'll be touching on throughout the day:

YAY - I’m ENGAGED!!!! OMG, What Do I Do Now?!?!?

Learn the steps to take first and what comes next after saying, “Yes!”.

Does Tangerine go with Mocha?

How to choose a color palette for your big day – the rules and regulations.

Mason Jars and Vintage Cars

The Internet and Bridal Magazines are chocked full of inspiration – learn the best way to utilize them!

You Charge How Much?!?!

Learn what ballpark prices to expect from vendors and why they deserve it.

Do I Get Printing Rights with That?

Get the right questions to ask possible vendors; learn what you can expect from them and what they expect from you!

I’m Freaking Out Here!!!!

Professionals carry their title for a reason – when in doubt, hire one!

The course will be held in one of the most beautiful local reception venues - the Akron Art Museum - on Saturday, March 3rd from 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM.  Lunch and a cake tasting will be provided. . . plus we'll have a beautiful tablescape set up to get your creative juices flowing!  You'll get a head start on planning with information on all of the amazing vendors we utilize for the workshop, too!

Excited yet?!?!  Head on over to the University's Course Catalog Listing to sign up - we hope to see you in March!!