By Design Event Decor

By Design Event Decor is great for all the things that take your wedding, and make it feel custom. Giving you great lighting, unique decor pieces and furniture, and setting the whole mood for your wedding. We are using them to set up our whole speakeasy at FIVE, lending the lounge and 1920's Prohibition swank to the space.
Many people underestimate the incredible impact lighting can have on a space as well. Especially if your space is a bit more of a "blank canvas" or perhaps has some elements that aren't 100% your style, lighting is a great way to add dimension, texture, interest, and disguise things you don't love. Lighting design isn't exactly the most intuitive process either, so having an expert goes a long way and can save you tons of time and energy in setting the mood on your day.

Don't be afraid of adding elements that are truly just decorative as well. A few key pieces or decor elements can really set the tone for the whole affair and infuse the theme into event. Group things by the entrance to the space where everyone will pass by, and it'll give that "wow" first impression!

Design Works

So let's say that you're just chock full of creative ideas... brimming, really? You've been cutting and pasting all of these ideas, but now you're stumped with how to execute and just what exactly is going to make this all cohesive? Well, let me introduce you to Design Works. As one of Denver's premier special event companies, this is the place where you can find a team of creative professionals: carpenter? check. artist? check. florist? check. designer? check.  These are the guys that take your ideas and bring them to life. They execute flawlessly, artistically, and creatively.

Design Works is a participating vendor in A Touch of Bliss' vignette and Frosted Pink Weddings vignette. Can't wait to see what they have up there sleeve for FIVE!

Seven Layers in Heaven from Intricate Icings

We're so thrilled that Rachael Teufel and her team from Intricate Icings are providing the cake to end all cakes for FIVE. Seven layers of inspiration from the Food Network Challenge winner, Rachael's creations are true works of art. Her pieces inspired by wedding dresses absolutely blew me away, the way she is able to replicate minute detail and also capture the feel of the dress in edible form. I love taking design elements through the whole wedding process, not necessarily as a matching set, but connecting the dots with similar elements that really tie the look together.

And the best thing about her cakes? They look too good to eat, but they're so tasty you'll get over that quickly and dive in to your cake with over a dozen flavor options, plus almost 20 more filling options! Sweet!!!

All Events Tent & Party Rentals

Whenever we talk about "all the little things" that happen to make an event or wedding go off without a hitch (well, just the one hitch I guess), we're really talking about the pieces that go into the reception. Think about it, every guest needs flatware, silverware, glassware. You need serving pieces, linens, napkins, there are hundreds if not thousands of little pieces that all need to be coordinated if your venue doesn't include these things. And the great thing about working with a company like All Event Rentals is how easily they handle the logistics of everything. They help you figure out exactly what you need, schedule delivery, and coordinate pick-up, and they can provide the little details that take your wedding to a whole other level. We've loved working with them for FIVE, and we think you'll love them too!

Keep in mind this is where you can really save on a wedding and keep things simple, or where you can really distinguish the little details that make your wedding feel like a custom event. Invest in good chair cushions, and think about maybe saving on flatware, but really going luxe on silverware to make the whole table feel rich. Keep place settings easy enough to follow for your guests (I promise no one needs six forks), and let the experts help you make sure you're getting everything you need.

More 20's Inspiration

Still shopping for that perfect look for FIVE? Well we have five style icons from the 20's who might serve as a little inspiration:

Mary Pickford - THE female celebrity in the 10's and 20's, Mary was a force in silent films, rivaled in popularity only by Charlie Chaplin...one of her friends whom she started United Artists with. With her blond curls and her girlish bright eyes and big smile, Mary is part of the softer side of the 20's: sweet, demure, America's sweetheart. If smoldering isn't your thing let Mary inspire a lighter look for you.

Greta Garbo - Anyone who can wear a fur wrap that looks like an enchilada and make it look stylish is a winner in my book! Maybe she just "wants to be alone", as this Sweedish actress decided to do later in her life, shunning the silver screen for a life away from the cameras. Her presence and intensity made her a powerhouse at the box office, and she always feels almost ready to faint... in a really glamourous way. If ever there were a night to wear your grandma's fur, channel Garbo and wear it out!

Louise Brooks - Infamous for her grand affairs with the rich and powerful, her "salty" language, and her caustic relationships with many women of her day, this actress/dancer/model who went from humble beginnings in Kansas to stage stardom in the Ziegfeld Follies, and around the world, then crashed into being a call girl in the kind of life that only sounds probable in a movie. But Louise Brooks is a style icon, mostly for making the bob haircut famous and defining the style and attitude of a generation. This bad girl knew how to break all the rules, so look to Louise if you're ready to cut a rug and get wild!

Joan Crawford - This Texas girl was a one-woman campaign machine when she arrived in Hollywood, and took her success in her own hands. Through the 20's she embraced the flappers, worked hard, and built a career to rival anyone in Hollywood by the 30's. You can see the stregnth and determination in her face, body perfectly poised, this is a women who knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to go for it. Let Joan's confident, take-charge style influence you (and make sure your outfit has matching shoes!)

CoCo Chanel - I know this one in obvious, but how can you make a list of amazing women of the 20's and not include CoCo. What people don't realize is what a rebel she was, with such a singular idea of how to break out of the fashion mold of the Victorian. She started as a milliner (so find yourself a fabulous hat) and eventually had the whole world looking to her to know how to dress. Black, sleek, pearls, sexy and gamine, the Chanel vocabulary is as famous as the woman herself. So if classic sylish is your thing, do homage to one of the greats, get your LBD, and party the night away with us!

Class is now in session!

Soul School may just be the badest bunch of performers we know. Who else can delivery funk, oldies, new jams, slow jams, rock, motown, and more?! These nine performers form a group that can play just about anything, and often do from regular gigs at Jazz at Jacks to private events around the state (they have almost a dozen gigs in November alone!), so we're super thrilled to have them playing at FIVE! And we thought they'd be the perfect band to feature, since these players are so great at weddings. It's part of the regular repertoire, and you can find testimonials on their website chock full of amazing things to say about Soul School's ability to keep the party rocking for attendees of any age. They'll be taking the stage at FIVE around 8:30, after feasting on all the amazing apps and eye candy from our vendor inspiration tables. And there may be a surprise performance earlier in the evening from a familiar face from Anna Be. You'll have to be there to see it all, so get those tickets now!

Dress Him Up!

So you've got your outfit all picket out for FIVE, but what is your escort wearing? Before he suggests his black Northface or Patagonia jacket, remind him that this is a great trial run to rock something stylish pre-wedding, or just give him some creative freedom.

If you're guy usually isn't into suits, take him to a good tailor or better department store and put him in the hands of an expert. But remember that you may be dealing with a more conservative crowd, so if he's younger/sportier/not a tax accountant, he might do better if you have some direction.

Tux - If he's got one hanging in his closet, this might be one of the few opportunities he gets to wear it. As long at the shoulders fit, it can be tailored a little more modern: invite him to show some cuff, narrow in around the waist, or take the length up a smidge...these little details will go a long way in making it feel fresh. And if it takes a little extra push, let him channel the Rat Pack with single malt scotch and a great cigar.

 

Double-Breasted - DB suits are back, but I promise he won't look like an attorney from a bad 90's movie if you remember one phrase: no shoulder pads. It's great for making a larger guy feel comfortable with a slimmer cut, just make sure that stays true through the pants, there should be a little break to the pant...too roomy might conjure up images of hammer time.

Blazer - If suits just aren't his thing, let him dress it down with a sharp cut blazer and black v-neck. No black turtlenecks (let that look RIP with the dearly departed Mr. Jobs), the V will naturally follow the shape of the blazer and open up his torso, great for a guy who likes to be different but not necessarily loud.

Remember, black and white, though silver definitely falls in-between and is completely acceptable. And if he'd reluctant to buy anything new, see if you might be able to inspire a new accessory or two. Skull and bones slippers? Great new cuff links? Something that says "I'm put together, but I don't take it too seriously".

Who this event is benefiting...

 As a bridal shop, much of our work centers around one day, one special moment in two people's lives. But ultimately, that one day is about a lifetime of learning, of sharing, and of loving your partner as you join in marriage. You don't love them for just that day, or because of one thing, you love the whole person, which is

why the Whole Person approach of Greenhouse Scholars has always spoken to us, and why we're raising money to support their efforts enriching the lives of high-performing, under-resourced college students.
We've had a relationship with Greenhouse since before Anna Bé started five years ago. Anna and Bre both worked with the scholars as mentors and professional contacts, and have continued that relationship through their time building the bridal shop. The foundations guiding principles of Leadership, Community, Relentless and Accountability mean a lot to us, as we've all had our mentors, guides, and hero's that allow us to pursue our dreams everyday.

Scholars receive year-round support, from financial support for college tuition, to mentorships and professional liaisons, to peer support from other scholars, and summer symposiums to make well-rounded leaders who are ready to enter the professional world when they graduate from college. We encourage you to meet some of the scholars and find out about the fantastic resources Greenhouse provides by checking out their website: greenhousescholars.org.

All the proceeds from FIVE go to supporting these scholars and the work that Greenhouse is doing, and we hope this one event resounds in the lives of the scholars it helps, and that your participation means a world of difference to these future leaders.

Style board: Cloud 9

This style board is brought to you by: Cloud 9, A Design Resource, LMD Productions & Linens Unlimited

Bring on the bling! Cloud 9 brings inspiration from all that glitters. Notice how all the tiny facets on pieces are done in large clusters (a splay of mirrored baubles, strands of crystal shimmering over chandeliers) and layered detail abound (flocked feathers, ruffles mixed into chair skirts and layered gowns). When you really concentrate and layer your "wow" into special moment, you can let everything else serve as a clean backdrop (every one of these images have neutral backdrops of cream, white, blush, or dark gray and black, really allowing the special moments to take center stage.) And if you look again and the backdrops, it's all city sophisticate with polished floors and smooth surfaces. Perfect for creating that luxe effect!

Inspiration from Lulu Decor

It's a well-designed world. Well if you live in the land decorated by Lulu's Furniture & Decor it certainly is! Lulu recently moved into our neck of the woods (right next door to Goldyn and below Linger) and when they found out that we were looking to turn our downstairs entry into a space that brings the 1920's feel to anna bé (a la Five), they offered to help us out. That's just the kind of good neighbors they are (is anyone else hearing the StateFarm song?). If you're lucky enough to be stopping by anna bé in the next few weeks make sure you take a few minutes to check out the entry downstairs and give yourself enough time to check out their shop after shopping with us.

{win this frame at the silent auction!}

Style board: Sapphire Celebrations

This style board is brought to you by: Sapphire Celebrations & By Design Event Decor

Check out this great board from Sapphire Celebrations, featuring silhouettes of all shapes and sizes. I love the mix of classic cameo style with modern luxe looks (feathers and chandeliers next to sweet cut-out of the bride and groom). The palette plays heavy on high gloss black to really make things glow, with shots of white and a great mix of blush and candy pink (not "bashful"). By keeping lots of elements on the dark hued side and using lots of gloss, crystal, and light, the look is really high drama.

Actually I think the coolest part of this whole idea is the lighting, which is every designer's secret weapon. Using light and shadow you can transform the most mediocre space into something amazing, and when you have great space with great lighting, the effect can be truly magic! Backlighting, uplighting, casting patterns on the wall or using silhouettes to create dimension and texture literally out of thin air, brilliant!

Style board: Duet Events

This style board is brought to you by: Duet Events, Sweet Pea Flowers & Worthwhile Style

Duet Events knows how to decorate with Deco! I love that design is back in a big way, and that brides are embracing the beauty of the 20's. This is the era when graphic design really took off, so bold lines and shapes really started popping up everywhere! You'll notice everything on this board features really interesting shapes and lines, from intricate geometric and architectural shapes, to the smooth sinuous s-curves and scroll work found everywhere in this era. The most important features and beauty and grace, so lines are long, graceful, and elegant... sounds perfect to me! Think of draping beautiful fabric artfully to create a dramatic entrance, or highlight your tables with period lighting and elegant art pieces from the era.
You'll notice the florals are very understated in this board, think of elements that speak to clean lines rather than abundant bunches, the key is to let everything flow beautifully, and not let any element get too fussy. Give your guests a taste of the luxe life with this rich and understated palate featuring glamour from another era.

Style board: Calluna Events

This style board brought to you by Calluna Events & The Perfect Petal:

Look to the dark side for a wedding inspiration as unique as you are! Influenced by the fascination with mysticism in the early part of the century, this board is all about rich, deep materials, vignettes that are both lush and dark, and tossing in the whimsy of the carnival. A little "Something Wicked This Way Comes"? This inspiration is for the bride who wants to take her guests on an immersive adventure, to use a deep, rich palate to highlight the beauty of decadent foods, honest materials, and celebrate the unknown. I wouldn't be surprised to see a fortune teller at the reception, fire dancers as entertainment, or join in a parade celebrating the newly weds down the street on the way to a big top celebration.

It's fun to find inspiration for weddings where you least expect it, and give your guests an experience they'll never forget!

Style board: Frosted Pink Weddings

This style board brought to you by Frosted Pink Weddings, Design Works, Swank Stems, &
Wildflower Linens

And frost it pink they did! When you love something, go for it, especially as romantic and classically girly a shade as these lovely ladies have picked! Take your floral to full tilt and show lush gardenscapes across the table, studded with lights to make it glow. Again, balance is the key to good design, and the striking architectural lines of aspen trunks and twigs strung with delicate crystals give the design a whole other dimension. One of my favorite ideas is the spectrum of colors, so sophisticated to involve a whole broad palette of colors from dusky charcoal and chocolate all the way through soft blushes.

Also, look how timeless the elegance is in this board, the whole feeling transcends time and will still look gorgeous in 20, 30, 50 years!How important is being timeless to you? Keep this in mind from the very beginning, and invest in classics if it is, allow yourself to be adventurous if it isn't.

now that's a delicious meeting

ahh.... that's the sound of one happy and stuffed anna after a delicious tasting over at Catering by Design. I'm always a little wary about going into a tasting: am I going to like what I'm being presented, is it going to be just mediocre but I'm going to feel obligated to act excited since someone is watching me eat, is it going to be any different than the same old entrees and ideas that I've seen a million times over. Well, I can happily report that I was so stoked (yup, I just used the word stoked) after having gone to the tasting with Catering by Design. I'm not giving away the menu, because I want that to be a surprise at the event but I can tell you that you won't go home hungry! These awesome folks are putting together a creative menu where they have clearly thought about the presentation as well as the palate. Don't miss both the savory and sweet food that Catering by Design is going to be dishing up during the party. Better get there early!

These images are meant to entice you but not reveal what we will actually be serving at the party. Stop drooling!

images courtesy of Catering By Design

Style board: Love this Day Events

This style board brought to you by Love this Day Events, A Vintage Affair and Teacup:

Can I say love this board?! I'm a huge fan on classic fashion illustrations, so this one stole my heart immediately. Collecting these from vintage shops gives you the perfect background for any of your printing needs (escort cards, thank you's, the list goes on). It really speaks to vintage lovers everywhere, who understand they need to spin it with a modern twist. The yellow and black zig zag captures an era that was obsessed with the modern and new, it's bold and vibrant, which I think a lot of vintage themes often miss.
And as long as we're going vibrant, go for the gold! Metallic-colored frosting on the wedding cake, dresses that gleam with the luxurious drape of charmeuse, and make everyone's skin glow under candlelight with ornate candelabras at every table!

Bold, soft, and romantic? It's all in the mix, and graphic invitations don't have to mean a pop art wedding, embrace all the things you love, and find a friend (or planner!) who know how to help you edit when it starts getting busy.

Style Board: Couture Consulting

This style board brought to you by Couture Consulting:

This inspiration makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Indeed, it's that fuzzy, fluffy texture throughout this entire story that keeps me wanting more! Pulling elements from the past (50's inspired tea-length dresses, antique cameo brooches, and classic fairytale quotes) and wrapping the whole package in a hazy dream of ivory, cream, champagne, and dusty blush.

What keeps it all exciting are the tiny little pops of green here and there that pop through and ground the whole look, sage, celedon, even a little kelly green (see the backdrop those shoes are on? perfect for making them stand out and feel special!)

This board is all about soft detail, and you can see the hand-crafted love in the folds of the lace on the sash, or the white on white mantle installation, it's a great idea if you feel you have lots of elements you're afraid might clash; wash the whole thing over in a creamy white (picture frames, candlesticks, any great decorative object) and it'll immediately all come together.

Are you trying to balance your guy's taste as well? Get him fascinated in the details, you may be surprised at how invested he can become with the "how did they make that" factor. And polish looks best when there's some rough around the edges to keep it looking real.

Style board: A Touch of Bliss & Design Works

This style board brought to you by A Touch of Bliss and Design Works:

Was there ever anyone more stylish than CoCo Chanel? The inventor of the Little Black Dress serves as brillaint inspiration on a day where you're wearing a long white one! Strands of pearls remind me of market lights draped from the ceiling, or perhaps a classic touch for your and your bridesmaids (perfect to pair with their LBDs). And to balance that restraint, the pure, unadulterated joy of excess! Fringe, feathers, bling, and filagree!

Remember that contrast is the key to creating drama, so mix several parts white and black to really pop, then use your shimmer to make the whole room glow. I love the use of vintage brooches filled to the max with pave diamonds, multiple textures, and just the tiniest hint of gold as a show-stopping bouquet. CoCo would approve.

What does your LBD say about you? There's one (or more) in every girl's closet, the style lines could really help inform your wedding style choices!

Inspiration brought to life: Style Boards

Style Boards

The online inspiration board has changed the face of event designing. We can now shoot images back and forth, post to common boards on blogs, Pinterest, or dozens of other sites. Inspiration boards are in no way new (photo collage has existed almost as long as photography, and who didn't make a few as grade school projects?!) Maybe you still do yours old school and have a binder or notebook filled with clippings and notes. No matter how you get your inspiration, there's one part that hasn't gotten any easier... how to turn it into reality!

That's why we're so excited that our planning partners for FIVE all built style boards for their display tables. They vary from dark and brooding to lush and sweet, to polished and sophisticated. But what each planner will do, and what they excel at is execution. They can take all these ideas, roll them together, design, create, edit, and come up with a real live version of the page in front of you. In theatre, the process is called "page to stage", taking the text and making it a show, and for the most ceremonious and theatrical event of your life the same process is put into play. Inspiration isn't always literal, so discovering the ways to translate flat images into 3D is the challenge and the fun!

One of the most exciting parts is often getting the surprise of the finished result. If you feel like your planner really gets you, and you've laid the ground rules, letting their inspiration run from that can give you a wedding experience beyond your wildest dreams, and what fun to let someone delight you with their work on your wedding day!

We're excited for you to see our inspiration board come to life at FIVE, and that it inspires you to celebrate in (your) style!

What a party.

of course everyone is invited to our party but we suspect
this might be how you feel if you choose not to partake in the festivies for FIVE.

The party to which you were not invited

'... was like no other party before.
What a party.
What a party.
Everyone was there.
Well, everyone that is, but you.
It was incredible.
Amazing.
You wouldn't believe what went on.
I mean let's face it if you weren't at that party
then you don't know what PARTY means.
What a party.
You just couldn't imagine a party like that.
There'll never be a party like it again.
Everyone's still talking about it.
Well, everyone, that is, but you.
A party like that can change your life.
I mean any other party
is going to seem drab now in comparison.
I mean, I've been to parties with a capital P
but this was a party with a capital PARTY
know what I mean?
No. I don't suppose you do.
What a party.
A party like that comes once in a lifetime, maybe. Still at least
everyone can share the memory
well, everyone that is,...'

By Henry Normal