Bouquets

Often brides come to us for decor, but don't realise we offer everything they need for a beautiful wedding, including their bouquets. With multiple talented florists on our team we are able to create the bouquets you've been dreaming of for you and you're bridesmaids. We love bouquets because they can be as simple or extravagant as you'd like and because of the endless possibilities you have when it comes to designing them. Whether you're wanting a rustic look, bright and colourful, sparkly, or anything else, we guarantee the end result will be exactly what you wanted.

                 As we mentioned in our last blog succulents are a growing trend for 2017 and they                                                                 look beautiful in bouquets

Most flowers can be used in bouquets, so the possibilities are truly endless

Often, brides will leave us items like broaches and necklaces they would like added into their bouquet. This is a beautiful way to personalise your look and add something meaningful  

A unique bouquet with trailing calla lilies and orchids.  

2017 Decor Trends

Part of our job as decorators is to keep up with the constantly changing decor trends. This means spending time scouring things like catalogues and of course pinterest for all the latest and greatest.

Here are some of our favourite 2017 trends so far:

Geometrics:

We blogged about these back February when we first discovered this wonderful trend. The possibilities with these are truly endless. Over the past few months we have added several items to our inventory, including square and hexagon centrepieces and hanging diamonds. There are so many ways to incorporate these into your decor. Whether you choose to add flowers, greenery, or lights(or all of these), we can guarantee you something unique and perfect for your event.

Hanging shapes are an excellent way add something extra to your backdrop

                                                         
                              What could possibly be more unique than your centrepieces hanging from the ceiling?

Our geometric shapes with flowers and lights make stunning centrepieces for any event

We love geometrics because they area great way to combine another of our favourite trends...

Succulents:

Of course succulents aren't new, but they are steadily gaining popularity due to all the new and beautiful ways to use them.

 

Succulents are easy to add to any colour scheme 

because they come in so many subtle colours from green to grey

                      Something new we are seeing with succulents is them being used in bouquets
                            They are an excellent option because they last a long time without water

                                           Tiny succulents can even be used in boutonnieres

   Another way to add succulents to your decor is to use them as table number or place card holders

Fresh Garland:

We love this trend because it can be as simple or as grand as you would like. They can be used for any tables, whether it's along the front of a head table our across the guest tables. Depending on the venue they could even be used on mantles or windowsills. There are so many ways to customise garlands for your event. Whether that means adding flowers, candles, or anything else you can imagine.

Another way to incorporate those succulents we know you can't get enough of is in a garland

A simple garland with candles

A fuller greenery garland across a guest table

Adding flowers is a great way to add a pop of colour

It's easy to see why garlands along head tables is becoming so popular

Trellis with Greenery:

A new trend that we've recently had the chance to play around with is a wooden trellis covered in greens and flowers above a sweetheart head table. It was a bit of an ordeal to set up with it being our first go, but it turned out incredible and we can't wait to see what else we can do with this versatile, beautiful trend. 

With almost 20 glass balls with flickering candles hanging above the bride and grooms heads the head table glowed the whole night

             A stunning and bold way to make sure you're the focus of the room at your wedding

Balloons:

Once upon a time balloons were a huge part of what we did. Now they're making a comeback, just not in the way you're expecting. In fact, this trend is more about whats attached(or even inside).We came across this trend recently and although we were happy to finally see balloons go, this is such a new and different way of using them and we're excited to see what we can create.

                      Using white or another subtle colour allows the garland strings to really pop

These are a great way to add new levels to your event, by allowing the greenery float above your tables

Using clear balloons with greens inside is another twist on this new trend

If you wanted to use balloons in your events colours you could always opt for traditional balloon arches or pillars with greenery tucked in between. This could be a beautiful way to made a classic look your own for a reception or even ceremony

Mercury Glass:

Mercury glass has been popular for quite a while, but it's a trend that doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. It is a great choice because it comes in several colours and its easy to use as much or as little of it as you want.

Rose gold/pink vase with lights inside

                               Above/Below: This silver mercury vase is perfect for vintage theme

Gold Mercury votives can be added to centrepieces or garlands for a classic look  

If these trends are any indication of what the remaining months of 2017 will look like, then we can't wait to see what the rest of the year will hold. 

If any of these beautiful trends inspire you for your next event, feel free to contact us. We look forward to helping you create your perfect look

Stampede 2017

For most people Stampede is 10 days of deep fried food, crazy rides, and concerts. For us at EED Stampede means early morning set ups, hauling heavy barrels and fences around the city, and a warehouse full of hay. Don't get us wrong though, this time of year is always fun. Behind the scenes we are busily preparing for your events, whether it's cutting and painting silhouettes and signs, or searching antique shops and barns for rustic pieces to add to our collection. Here at EED we have endless options for you to choose from for your Stampede event.Whether it's a pancake breakfast, corporate party, or rentals for all 10 days to get your office, restaurant, home, etc looking ready for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, we've got you covered. Of course the work isn't over just because the show is. Now it's time to store everything away until Stampede rolls around again. 

Planning a Stampede event for next year? Check out our Gallery and Rental Guide for more rustic inspiration, or feel free to call us for more information.

403-295-3030

Above and Below: 

Rustic fences decorated with some of the western props we've gathered 

Birch pedestal with greenery and sunflowers

Stampede stage set up with birch pedestals, fences, and wooden arch

Our General Store 

Saloon Doorway

Photo area for a BBQ downtown

Our clients trying out their photo area

Meet Loki, our Shop Dog

Here at Expressive Events, we like to take a break from event related posts every once and a while and write about something completely different; our furry friend, Loki.  Loki is a Great Pyranese, Australian Shepard cross and he keeps us company at the shop.  Loki has been with us for almost two years, and we just couldn't imagine work without him.  Not only does he boost morale, but he keeps us laughing all day.  However, productivity does suffer somewhat when he's around because he's just too cute to ignore!

He's also great to have around when we're working late into the night or by ourselves, because he's big enough to be intimidating to strangers passing by.  Unfortunately, he sometimes does scare OUR clients, but only until they realize he's a big softy that wouldn't hurt a fly!  If you ever want to meet our dog pal, come visit our showroom located at Bay 132, 1530 27th Avenue NE, or call 403-295-3030 to book a consultation for your next event!

Inspiration Colors: Silver, muted purples and greens

This week we're going to talk about inspiration colour boards.  What is an inspiration colour board you may ask?  Well it is exactly what you see above, and is a great starting point when you're trying to decide on your wedding colours.  When you combine colours on a board in this way,  it can help you visualise what your event will look like in the end.   Start with your chosen colors on top, and then scour Pinterest, Google, magazines, etc. for the different decor elements you will need like linens, flowers, and dresses.  Then once you have some photos chosen, copy and paste them into a program like "Paint" to see what it looks like all together (we like when things are easy, and even if technology isn't your friend, paint is such a simple, user-friendly program, all most anyone can use it)!  

The example Expressive Events chose to show you today combines greenery with muted purples over a grey base layer.  We like this combination because it is a spin-off of the traditional, yet overdone silver and purple theme.  These colors are also all found naturally in flowers, so no dye necessary!  This is great because it will give your event a more organic and classic look that will stand the test of time.  Not the creative type?  Let EED help you create your own inspiration color board at a personalized consultation.  Call us today to learn more! 403-295-3030

Two Day Weekend Event in BANFF!

Well it was another busy event weekend for the Expressive Events team.  We were out of town again. Feverishly preparing back-to-back nights of fun for a doctor's group.  Friday night was all about lighting for a club type feel whereas Saturday was a formal gala-style reception.  We had to work cohesively as a team alongside their event staff to bring together both nights, while operating on extremely tight timelines (3 hours to do a room flip for a 600-person dinner)!

Come Sunday, we were all very tired, but our client was thrilled and loved every bit of it so it made it all worth it in the end.  Plus being put up in a posh hotel is always a nice treat.  Scroll down to see some of the photos from the event.  Come back next week for our blog about an inspiration color story from EED.

Friday night lounge with white furniture and crystal drapes

Saturday night reception with black linens, gold sequins and white centrepieces, accented with red lighting.

Saturday night reception centerpieces of a pilsner vase (left) with a dendrobium orchid, vine lights, and a crystal topper and staggered cylinders (right) with dendrobium orchids, submersible LED lights, and floating candles.

Saturday night reception with a silent auction highlighted in champagne lighting.