Blog - Terry Kaye Events

Welcome to Terry Kaye Events!

ABOUT TKE January 24, 2019

By: Terry Kaye

Hello, everyone, and welcome to my blog!

I am Terry Kaye, owner of Terry Kaye Events based out of Warrenton, Virginia. I have been working on my new website and blog launch for a while now and am so excited that it is finally ready to share with all of you!

I thought it would be fun to introduce myself to you with a brief Q&A, so here it is:

Terry Kaye Family — Photo courtesy of Courtney Anderson Photography

Where am I from?

I grew up in Monroe, New York, a small commuter town outside of NYC. In New York, anything over the George Washington Bridge is considered “upstate” so that is what I usually say when asked about my hometown. My childhood home was a small bungalow converted into a modest three-bedroom house at the top of a dirt driveway lined with a handful of other small houses surrounded by trees and nestled in between two lakes. I loved growing up there. As children, we played outside, fished and swam in the cold country lakes, hiked in the woods and rode our bikes up and down that dirt road, lungs full of fresh air. I have two older siblings, a brother and sister, whom I adore. My brother still lives in the house that we all grew up in – the house I still consider home.

How did I end up in Virginia?

I met my husband in Buffalo, New York when we were in college. I was on scholarship for Track and Field and he was a a very handsome long jumper. We instantly connected during our time spent together on the track, but held off on dating until his senior year. After he graduated, he accepted a job in Reston, Virginia. I still had one more year of college but decided to spend the summer with him. During that visit, he proposed. After that, it was not easy to imagine moving back up to New York so I finished my degree at George Mason University and began planning our wedding.

What was your own wedding like?

My husband and I got married in upstate New York on a shoestring budget. We choose a mountaintop reception hall called the Eagle’s Nest; the views alone convinced us that it was the perfect location. I created an inspiration scrapbook (which I still have) to organize all of my ideas and creative inspirations. It was Pinterest of the 90’s. I wore the biggest dress I could find and went for a rustic feel with other elements. My bridesmaids wore dark brown sleek gowns and we all carried dried flower bouquets. The invitations and programs were handmade using natural floral paper tied together with raffia. We even had a chocolate ganache wedding cake adorned with leaves and branches. Thom and I will celebrate 17 years of marriage this fall – where does the time go???

Terry Kaye Wedding — Photo courtesy of Courtney Anderson Photography

Do you have any children?

I am the proud mama of three boys: Gavin (10), Lincoln (7) and Altas (2). They keep me busy but I would not change my wild, messy, crazy life for a second. They are my light and such an adorable crew.

Terry Kaye Kids — Photo courtesy of Courtney Anderson Photography

Why do you like planning weddings?

I am a people person with a creative mind. I love turning visions into reality and my past experience as an event planner for a large hotel gave me the skills and knowledge to do just that on a more personal level. One of the gold keys to my planning success is choosing couples whom I feel comfortable with and vice versa. It always amazes me how my relationships grow and change from our first planning meeting to the big day. I joke that I will become your best friend for the next 12 months and many times it is true. I care about my clients and want their wedding day to exceed their expectations. My hope is that all of the couples whose weddings I am lucky enough to plan will look back 17 years from now and smile when they remember their special day, just as I do.

Terry Kaye boutonniere — Photo courtesy of Courtney Anderson Photography

“I love what I do – and when there is passion in the planning process you can expect something extraordinary. I try to create an EXPERIENCE for my clients; one they and their guests will remember for the rest of their lives.”

XO,

Terry

5 Things You Need to Know About Tented Receptions

INSIGHT, PLANNING, WEDDING April 26, 2019

By: Terry Kaye

Dreaming of a DIY backyard wedding? I don’t blame you. They come across as casual, effortless and less expensive than a reception in a marble ballroom. The truth is they’re a huge undertaking and the costs involved add up fast. Here are five things you should know before embarking on your own tented affair:

1) Tent weddings are not cheaper

I often have couples come to me and say, “That venue wanted $6,000.00 just to rent the space and I can get a tent for $3,000.00.” They are 100% correct. Tents are cheaper than most venues. The catch is that you need more than just a tent to host a wedding and every a la carte item adds up. Tented receptions require heaters, AC units, lighting (for your tent and parking area), generators, bathrooms, a dance floor, staging (for the ground especially if it’s not level), a kitchen tent, a back-up weather tent (for the ceremony), to name a few. This is just your rental list; there are many items beyond rentals that will also impact your budget. Tented receptions can provide the aesthetic you’re after, but if your main reason for wanting one is to save money, you might want to reconsider.

2) Hire a planner with tent experience

Tented weddings are a big task so I always suggest hiring a professional with prior tent experience before signing any rental agreements. Managing rentals is a full-time job and you may need to work with multiple rental vendors just to fill all your needs. If you choose not to utilize a planner, you alone will be responsible for managing your entire rental order. In addition, most planners receive rental discounts which, when doing a tent installation, can save a lot of money. And even if your planner doesn’t have an industry discount, the amount of time he or she saves you will be worth a small fortune.

3) Inclement Weather Plan

When organizing a tented affair, you have to plan for the worst possible weather-related scenario. This means you will need to add tent walls, marquees and possibly even additional tents to cover your ceremony and cocktail locations. Many rental companies will allow you to hold these tents on a separate order and will only charge you a percentage of their cost if you don’t end up using them.

4) Power, Potties and Parking

If you’re setting your event in a back field, power and water are a luxury but both are absolutely essential. You will need to rent a generator, distribution boxes and a water tank to ensure you meet your vendor’s requirements. Even if your property has a power source close to the tent, I still recommend renting a back-up generator for those just-in-case moments.

You will also need to make arrangements for porta-potties or (my personal preference) a luxury bathroom trailer. Bathroom trailers require power as well as a water source within 25-feet of their location. If you do not have access to a water source, you can pay to have them pre-filled. Consider where you are placing your potties prior to the event date and make sure someone is on-site to meet the delivery.

Parking is an important aspect of any event. Whether you have guests rushing in to make the ceremony or heading home after a fabulous time, easy parking can leave a lasting impression. Mapping out your parking area is key. I use wooden stakes and survey tape to mark the perimeter of the parking area. I also believe in hiring parking attendants to help line up cars and assist arriving and departing guests. Finally, if your event is taking place at night, don’t forget to add a light tower to your rental order so guests can find their cars and navigate the terrain.

5) Liability Insurance, Permits and Noise Ordinances

When planning events for my clients, especially when it’s on their private property, I always recommend additional liability coverage. Make sure you are fully covered so you can enjoy your event with peace of mind.

Private events and tents require certain permits that you will need to pay and apply for per county. Each state/county is different so I suggest doing your research first to ensure you apply for everything that’s required.

I also recommend researching your county’s noise ordinance policy (something you should take very seriously). Noisy events draw a lot of unwanted attention, including the police. The last thing you want is to have your event shut down early because you didn’t know your town’s noise ordinance. Figure that information into your timeline so you can arrange your day and end at the appropriate hour without worry.

These tips should help ensure your DIY tented event turns out to be just as wonderful as you’ve envisioned it would be. The less day-of details you have to worry, the more you will be able to relax and enjoy your day as much as your guests will. Happy planning!

What Planners Wish You Knew

INSIGHT, PLANNING, WEDDING January 27, 2019

By: Terry Kaye

Ceremony design set up at Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery

Wedding planning can turn into a full time job especially now that weddings have progressed from traditional cookie-cutter events to over-the-top DIY affairs. Over the past 17 years, I truly have seen it all and I believe there is a lesson behind every single event. Here are some key points that I wish couples knew about event planning:

Events planners can save you money

This is something I share with potential clients on a daily basis. Hiring an event planner may feel like a big investment but, in the end, you truly get your money’s worth. I personally know that I (on average) save my clients 5-15% on vendor fees alone as most of my preferred vendors extend small courtesy discounts to my company. If a vendor is unable to offer a monetary discount, they typically go above and beyond in other ways which also add value to your big day.

Event planners save you valuable time

Time is precious! Hire a planner so that you can enjoy being engaged, manage your full-time job and relax in knowing that you don’t have to worry about every last detail alone. I often get calls from teary-eyed clients sharing that they had planned to do it all themselves but they have started feeling terribly overwhelmed by all the details. I am grateful they are finally reaching out for help but I always wish they had thought to call earlier. It is my job as a planner to keep you on track, to keep things organized and to ensure you don’t get overloaded by the details even if you want to maintain a do-it-yourself approach to planning. The little details will always build up and having a professional by your side will ensure there is a calm cadence to your planning.

Your budget is your budget

This is one of the most important, yet sensitive, topics I review with new clients. “Who is paying for what?” is a question that might not have an easy answer and lead to stressful conversations. Setting a realistic budget sets the parameter for every other planning decision you’ll make as you move forward. Once your budget is set, stick to it! I think part two may be more difficult than part one. Weddings are expensive and it is so easy to get caught up in the extras which will ultimately blow your budget. I always tell my clients, “Your budget is your budget.” I cannot stop someone from spending more than they need to but I can try to reel them in so they make a sound decision rather than an emotional one. Sticking to your budget will make your decisions a bit easier and your planning experience that much more enjoyable.

Something will go wrong; it always does

Hiring a planner does not guarantee that your day will go without flaw. In fact, every event has at least one or two bumps throughout the day. That is the nature of this industry but having a planner by your side managing those bumps is truly worth the investment. Let your planner handle the missteps. There’s even a good chance that you won’t even know anything went awry until after your big day is over. That’s what your planner is for!

His & Her Signature Cocktails

FUN, LIFESTYLE, WEDDING January 27, 2019

By: Terry Kaye

Whether you’re serving a mocktail or a cocktail, your signature drink is a fun way to set the tone of your event and accentuate your theme. There are many ideas and options available and it’s easy to choose the first beverage that catches your eye, but I always encourage my clients to put some thought behind their signature drinks. Remember, love is in the details and the details will really help make your special day even more special (if that’s possible). Share flavors from your heritage, add some seasonal flavors, or match your wedding colors. Or, and this is one of my favorite ideas, simply serve what you enjoy drinking and give it a new name that ties in with your story.

It doesn’t have to be complex. I typically design cocktails with 3-5 ingredients (remember, the more ingredients needed the more expensive your libations become), with the goal of keeping it simple and making it personal and fun.

Spread the word of your signature drink by creating a custom “His & Her” bar menu. Personalized bar menus allow you to get creative and introduce your specialty cocktails to your guests. I recently spotted a cocktail menu where the bride and groom added their names to the mix. The groom took his favorite Jack & Coke and named it Jake & Coke after himself.

His bride, Melissa, re-named a classic mimosa a Mel-mosa. They used simple, common cocktails but gave them a signature twist.

Finally, don’t forget to add some extra flair with a unique garnish, colorful paper straws and some personalized drink stirrers.

HIS: BOURBON ROSEMARY LEMONADE

Directions for the Rosemary Simple Syrup:

3 sprigs of rosemary
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup local honey
3/4 cup water• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (place lemon peels in mixture for extra lemon flavor)

To Make the Lemon-Rosemary Simple Syrup:

Place rosemary on cutting board and gently hit sprigs with back of knife to release their flavor and aroma.
Transfer rosemary to small saucepot; stir in sugar, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice and water. Cook over medium heat 4 to 6 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. • Transfer to container and refrigerate until completely cool, or up to 5 days.

Ingredients:

1 ½ ounces Bourbon
1/4 cup lemon-rosemary simple syrup
Ice cubes, for service
Fresh sprigs of rosemary, for garnish (optional) • Lemon peel, for garnish (optional)

To Make:

Fill glass with ice
Add 1 ½ ounces of bourbon
Add ¼ cup lemon-rosemary simple syrup • Garnish with rosemary sprig & lemon rind

HERS: COTTON CANDY CHAMPAGNE MARTINI

Her Cocktail: Cotton Candy Champagne Martini

Ingredients:

1 ½ ounces cotton candy flavored vodka
2 ounces Rose Brut
Teaspoon of Chambord liqueur
Pink or white sugar sprinkles, to sugar-rim the glass
Pink cotton candy for garnish • Ice cubes, for shaking

To Make:

Dip rim of glass into Chambord liqueur and then into sugar crystals; set glass aside
Fill martini shaker with ice and cotton candy vodka and a teaspoon of Chambord; shake
Pour into martini glass
Fill with Rose Brut • Garnish with cotton candy

Secrets from a Party Planner: Tips for a Stress Free Soirée

LIFESTYLE, PLANNING January 27, 2019

By: Terry Kaye

Friends being social at the party you're hosting

Party planning and stress seem to go hand and hand these days. Blogs, IG and Pinterest all add to the pressure to host over-the-top fetes that not only break the budget but can sadly also break your party-planning spirit. Planning a party shouldn’t be stressful or intimidating. I have put together some of my helpful tips and tricks which, when put into action, can make it possible to create and host a memorable affair with ease.

Create a theme

The theme or inspiration behind your event will impact every aspect of your party. It will determine the date, time, menu, décor – even your attire. Selecting your theme is the key to a cohesive event. For me, the theme is usually what drives my inspiration to host an event. Inspiration for your theme can come from anywhere: nature, food, people, patterns, colors, magazines, Pinterest and trends. Sometimes the person you are celebrating is inspiration enough, and the theme revolves around that person!

Pro-tip: Select your theme and stick with it to ensure everything ties together in a professional and unified way.

Create your checklist and stick to it

A checklists is a critical tool for stress-free event planning. Not only does it keep you on task, it tends to keep you budget (which certainly reduces my stress level). My checklist typically begins one month prior to the event date. This allows me plenty of time to plan, shop and prep; it also builds in a buffer for any unexpected hiccups along the way. I rely so much on my checklist, that I created a template that I personalize for each event. In addition to keeping my timeline on track, I also find it very therapeutic to check things off of my list!

Pro-tip: Make two copies of your checklist so you have one at home and one in your purse/on your phone. You never know when you will need to reference it.

Design your menu and prep, prep, prep

Menu planning can be daunting and super stressful, especially if you don’t know your way around a kitchen. Clients often confess that they want to host a party but are afraid to cook for their guests. Don’t ever let the fear of cooking stop you from hosting an event. There are so many convenient catering options available to us that you don’t have to shy away from being the host just because you don’t feel your strength is in the kitchen. In fact, if cooking is not your thing, you can easily cater your entire party through your local grocery store or by going the potluck route and asking your guests to bring their favorite dish to share. I have also learned along the way that not everything has to be homemade. Focus on what you enjoy and collaborate with someone who loves to cook or cater.

If cooking is one of your strengths, then relish spoiling your guests with your home-cooked dishes and baked confections. Just remember to add meal prep to your checklist so nothing is overlooked or forgotten. I would also recommend that you select a menu that allows you to pre-bake, pre-chop and prepare all ingredients prior to your party. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen while your guests are in another room enjoying your event.

Pro-tip: When taking on the daunting task of cooking and baking, always have a couple back-up items on hand just in case something goes awry – better to be safe than sorry!

Dressing for dinner

If you are anything like me, picking out the right outfit can take hours. I try on half my closest, think I’ve found the right combination, until a couple of hours later when I go back and settle on my go-to black party dress. Picking your outfit can lead you into a time warp; to avoid that, I select what I am wearing the night prior. To ensure I don’t change my mind or get sucked back into my closet, I lay everything making for an easy and quick wardrobe change. I typically dress one hour prior to guests arriving to help mentally transition from “planner” to “hostess”.

Pro-Tip: Always wear an apron prior to your guests arriving. The last thing you need to add to your to-do list is a last minute wardrobe change.

Leave the mess

Dinner is over – now what? Most would assume that the planner in me would suggest that it is time to clean up but that is not the case anymore. I have learned that it is important to be present as a host/hostess and not disappear into the abyss of dirty dishes. Your guests are there to see you, so be a gracious host and stay present. The clean-up can wait.

Pro-Tip: If the idea of leaving a dirty table drives you crazy, clear the table and stack the dishes in the sink filled with soapy water. They can soak overnight and will make for easy work in the morning.

Be present; you are the host

Transitioning from planner to party hostess can be a difficult task but it is an important one. For the past month, you have planned and prepped; now it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Shift your focus from your checklist to your guest list. Hospitality should give you as much joy as it gives your guests so take a deep breath, relax, connect and enjoy your party.

Pro-Tip: Turn on your favorite music, light a candle and enjoy a glass of wine or flavored seltzer prior to your guests arriving; it is a great way to enjoy the calm before the storm and ease into the switch from “planner” to “hostess”.

Friendsgiving

AUTUMN, FUN, LIFESTYLE January 26, 2019

By: Terry Kaye

Vendor Love

Catering: A La Carte Catering
Florals: Sarena Floral Design
Planning & Design: Terry Kaye Events
Photographer: Candice Adelle Photography
Rentals: Detailed Memories
Venue: The Retreat at Eastwood
Vintage Rentals: Bella Villa Vintage Rentals
Printing & Design: Amy Boyle
Farm Table Rentals: Local Wood

Thanksgiving is the official start of the holiday season and, for many, that means travel, stress and perhaps even loneliness. Nowadays, families tend to be more spread out making it more difficult to get everybody together for holiday celebrations and I, for one, have spent countless holidays jumping on planes, sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic and sometimes even alone. But if you are like me and live far away from your family, you don’t have to miss out on sharing that Thanksgiving experience. Start a new tradition and host a “Friendsgiving”.

Thanksgiving, as its name indicates, is all about being thankful and one thing I am always thankful for is my friendships. As a transplant to Virginia without any family close by, I have found that I rely on my friends to fill that family void and provide me with support when I need it; luckily for me my friends have taken on that role with gusto! What better holiday to celebrate with friends than the one that focuses on gratitude – I am so very thankful for my crew.

Traditional vs. Non-traditional

I personally love a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. I enjoy creating the menu, setting the table, adding menus and place cards, and accenting it all with flowers and any other beautiful décor I can find. While the planning and design is fun for me, some of you may view it as just more items to add to your already overflowing to-do list. Remember, Friendsgiving is about friendship, regardless of whether you set a formal table or choose to create a casual cocktail party instead. Be present and enjoy your time with the people you have chosen to celebrate the holiday with.

Change it up

Avoid toiling for hours in the kitchen by changing up your traditional Thanksgiving meal into something a bit more casual. There are many creative solutions that will enable you to enjoy your traditional recipes but in untraditional and exciting ways. For example, rather than your traditional stuffing recipe, try making cocktail-sized stuffing balls with cranberry compote dipping sauce. Of course, if you simply don’t want the pressure of cooking at all (and subsequently cleaning all those pots and pans!) you can always reach out to a local caterer, many of whom offer traditional Thanksgiving menus to go. Whether your menu is traditional, cocktail style, homemade or provided by caterers, simply have fun and be creative.

Make is stress-free and comfy

Friendsgiving is all about creating a stress-free environment for you and the people you have chosen to be your Friendsgiving family. It should be filled with great food, lots of laughter, a signature cocktail (or two) and an inviting space. I always try to host events outside, especially during the fall. One way to make the outside area feel more cozy is to bring the inside furniture outdoors. A comfy sofa or two will be welcome after your guests fill up on turkey and are longing for a comfortable space to kick back and relax. If you are looking to create a formal table setting but you don’t have the indoor space, move the party to an unexpected location like a barn. If you don’t have a long enough table, rent a long farm table. Use what you have, rent what you need and mix it up. It doesn’t have to look perfect to be the perfect party.

Give thanks

Just because we are calling it a Friendsgiving, doesn’t mean you should lose sight of what you are celebrating. A great way to show thanks is by adding personalized touches to your event. Showcase some old photos of you and your friends together, add personalized place cards for each guest and write down why you are grateful to have them in your life. Lastly, always send your guests home with a memento from the day. It doesn’t have to be expensive; simply think of something tangible that represents your time together. Some of my favorite ideas are a group photo from the day, a floral centerpiece or even some leftover food. When packaged like this, who wouldn’t be grateful for leftovers!?