What is True Elegance?

Hey everyone,

Before I start, I just want to tell everyone I now have an option on the blog to the right of the posts that allows you to subscribe. This will allow you to get emails anytime I put up a new post! So, please be sure to subscribe :)

So, just as the title of this post suggests, I want to talk about true elegance as it applies to party/wedding planning. Most everyone has a different (their own) definition of the word elegance because we base its meaning on our lifestyle and family culture. Well, although we may all see it differently in some respects, deep down elegance can be achieved no matter who you are, where your party is, how much money you have to spend, and how many guests you have to please!!

Of course, most people think that in order to achieve real elegance they have to have a lot of money to spend, but this is certainly not true at all! Can you make elegance with a big budget? OF COURSE! That is easy. However, I've seen it done, and have it done it myself, with a small budget as well. It's actually more fun to create the decor and elegance you want by spending less because you feel better knowing you didn't throw so much money away in the end for stuff you'll probably never use again. My budget for my recent wedding was small compared to what you hear those brides spend on TV, but we created an event that showed a lot of elegance, to me anyway. You have to find your personal definition of elegance and create that look using more simple objects :)

A big factor when it comes to events is the venue! The venue sets the tone for the entire event based on how it looks. There are so many ways to have an elegant event no matter what the venue. A grand ball room obviously makes you think of elegance, but a neat industrial type warehouse, decorated the right way, can show just the same amount of elegance. Some people have their events in a fancy ball room while others choose an outdoor location under trees in a field, a barn, a church, or like me, on the beach :)

I turned my wedding reception from an older looking beach house with worn wood and the laid-back "beachy" look into an elegant evening with lights, candles, and beautiful table-scapes. So no matter where your event is taking place it can always be made elegant and beautiful by bringing in pieces that reflect your personality in a simple and chic way.

For example, this picture below definitely exudes elegance in all its meanings...

photograph by Gruber Photography

That one flower ball in the background would cost more money than what this entire table could probably be re-created for on a budget!! 

I say, a cheaper and more soft elegance approach would be something like this...

Patricia Lyons Photography

Candles bring life and elegance to any event in any room. So, adding different height candles with a much smaller portion of flowers and sparkle can actually create the elegance in a more subtle manner. I think less is more anyway ;)

These are just two examples I found through Pinterest (always the best place for inspiration). These were just to give an example of what I mean when I say elegance is created when you make your event just like you want it. You definitely don't have to break the bank to create these beautiful events. Here is a photo of my own centerpieces at my wedding...

Now, this isn't the best picture with people in the background and tissues on the table (for my new hubby by the way). But, because I chose to rent my centerpieces from my florist instead of buy and didn't want many flowers (I went with more feathers, diamond pieces, sparkles, etc.) these centerpieces cost me only $15 a piece!! WOW! And I rented all the plates, cups, chargers, napkins, everything! So simple and many places offer great prices.

So, no matter how much or how little decor you want at your event or where you are having your event, the elegance can be achieved on any budget and made beautiful to match your very own personality. :) I always have tips for decorating on a budget so feel free to email me (information in my profile to the right) or schedule me for your event! :) I'll post again soon!

Much love,
Anna