How do you plan your special day without breaking the bank or going into debt?
Deciding on a wedding budget is not an easy task. Your wedding will likely be the largest celebration you will have hosted at this point in your life and probably the most expensive. To set a budget, you'll need to consider your savings, create and maintain a comprehensive spreadsheet so you can budget during the planning process. Budgeting is solid work; however, putting forth the time and energy early will ensure you enter your marriage "wedding-debt" free.  
 
First Step: Tally Your Cash
Your wedding budget is generally derived from three sources of money:
 
Personal savings: While it sounds as simple as how much cash you have in the bank, in a perfect world, you both will have set aside three months of living expenses in case of employment loss or a health setback. Subtract the emergency fund dollars from your banking balance, and what is left is presumably money you could spend on your wedding. 
 
Wedding savings: Considering your existing debts first, start setting aside a percentage of your earnings every month. Then establish a wedding banking account and start making direct deposits into it for wedding expenses. 
 
Family contributions: While many families are happy to contribute to their child's wedding, never assume parents or family members are willing and able to help.  
 
Second Step: Track Your Spending
Start a four-column spreadsheet: Column 1 - Name of the Expense, Column 2 - Estimated Expense, Column 3 - Modified Expense, and Column 4 - Actual Dollar of the Expense. The numbers under the Estimated Expense Column will be derived by doing market research on costs in your area. The numbers under Modified Expense will come from the vendor proposal you chose. And the Actual Expense numbers are derived from the money you have paid to the vendor.
 
You can adjust your estimates after calling the vendors for prices. It would be best if you considered starting with the wedding and reception venues because these two consume the largest piece of the wedding pie. The wedding venue will dictate how many guests you can invite, or vice versa; the number of guests will dictate the size venue you will need. Ask for estimates and verify if tax is included. If not, ask for the total or you can do the math yourself and adjust your spreadsheet proposal accordingly. 
 
You may wish to add a fifth column for gratuity. When you speak with the wedding or reception venue, caterers, etc. ask if gratuity is included. If not, they will usually inform you of the percentage they add to the proposal. Note that gratuity is usually paid in advance.
 
Consider adding a line item titled "Extras". This dollar amount should equal roughly 15% of your total budget. "Extras" is a cushion for things you did not think of or will likely forget to include, such as postage for invitations, security or valet parking attendants, or for unanticipated expenses such as corking and plate fees. Do not dip into this line item early in the process; you will need these funds for incidentals that arise later. 
 
Third Step: Prepare for Surprises
Diligently read the vendor contracts before you sign. The fine print is where you will find the extra expenses. Many vendor proposal totals exclude standard fees. Vendors know you are shopping and want their proposals to make the cut; to avoid sticker shock, they will leave out gratuity or other standard charges. 
 
Out of Town Vendor Transportation
If you are hiring an out-of-town photographer or band, you may need to pay for travel expenses, including a rental van or airfare. Read the contract carefully to understand exactly what is covered.
 
Setup and Breakdown Fees
While setup fees can be included, cleanup is not consistently covered. You may also incur overtime rates if the reception runs late. 
 
The Bar
What would a wedding celebration be without cocktails? Signature spirits and drinks can add another $3,500 plus dollars to a wedding of 200 guests. 
 
Photographer - Digital Files
Many photographers offer digital access to view and share your wedding images online, but this convenience comes at a price, $1,200 - $1,500 is relatively common. 
 
Wedding Planners
A full-service event designer will either have a flat fee or charge a percentage of the total budget. Before you enlist a professional planner, you should know roughly what you have to spend on the wedding and factor in that rate or fee. Some wedding reception venues require you to contract with their in-house wedding coordinator or bring in an outside wedding planner.
 
Fourth Step: Use Charge Cards Responsibly
It is very tempting to increase your cash flow with credit cards; if you must, do so cautiously. It would be best if you did not charge anything on your credit card that you cannot afford to pay off in 30 days. 
 
Fifth Step: Find Ways to Save
Are you over your budget? Consider these ideas to help reduce your spending.
 
Change of Venue
Raw spaces require more décor to make them wedding appropriate. If you have always wanted a barn or outdoor wedding and the venue is not an established wedding venue, you will need to bring in everything from tables and chairs, linen and serving ware, restrooms, air conditioning or heating. If you are set on a raw venue, start totaling the cost of making it wedding appropriate and compare those costs to a venue that includes these basics.
 
Budget with Time
Many brides would prefer to prolong their engagement than to settle on the details. When you have time to plan your wedding, you are in a better position to negotiate. Negotiating with vendors is more difficult when you are running out of time.
 
Multi-purpose the Venue
Host the wedding and reception at the same location. 
 
Sacrifice the Live Band
A well-established band can run thousands of dollars, while a reputable DJ will cost a fraction of the cost and often provide a wider range of music.  
 
Order Your Own Paper Items 
Today, creating and ordering your wedding invitations, thank you cards, place cards, and such is a breeze. Online technology has made it this task easy to do.
 
Avoid Upgrades
Unless a base package is unacceptable, say no to unnecessary upgrades. Or choose a vendor with an acceptable base package or with the least number of upgrades possible. For example, upgrading linens (table cloths, chair covers, napkins) alone can increase your budget by thousands of dollars.  
 
Use Fewer Vendors
Many photographers also offer videography services and offer discounts when you choose both services. DJ's will often offer lighting services as well.  ​

Shopping for the perfect wedding and reception location in Lafayette Louisiana?  Be sure to add Le Pavillon's special event venues to your list. 

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Bridal showers are a wedding tradition with origins dating back to 16th-century Holland.  When a young woman's father refused a dowry to a marriage he disapproved of or the engaged couple came from a poor background - town folk would get together and offer gifts to help the young woman start her home.  The tradition has, to a certain extent, held over the years, as we now shower the couple with gifts that pertain to starting a new home.  

Etiquette for bridal and wedding showers have changed over time and can be a little confusing—questions about who throws a bridal shower to what you write on a bridal shower invitation.  We endeavor to answer these and other popular questions below. 

What Is a Bridal Shower?
Bridal showers are a daytime, usually women-only event in celebration of the bride's upcoming marriage. Conventionally, it is an occasion for guests to give the bride gifts to help set up her new home.

Bridal Shower Etiquette
What Happens at a Bridal Shower?
Contingent on the bride's taste, the hostess can arrange entertaining games for the guests to play, or the hostess can skip this tradition.  The universal outline is the same:  Drinks, food, merriment, and the opportunity for the bride to open shower gifts surrounded by her friends and family.  If you choose to include games, popular ones include designing a wedding dress using only rolls of bathroom tissue, gift bingo, or the day activities could include spa day or calligraphy lessons.   

When Do You Throw a Bridal Shower?
Typically, bridal showers are held two to six months prior to the wedding.  Choose a date that is convenient for both the bride and her guests, whether that means a date closer to the wedding or planning it to coincide on the same day with another event such as the bachelorette party.


Who Throws a Bridal Shower?
Traditionally, the bridal shower is hosted by the maid of honor, bridesmaids or bridal attendants.  While anyone can plan the shower, make sure the who is communicated clearly to ensure there are not two separate showers being planned - unless you intend to hold more than one.  Etiquette holds that relatives, including mother of the bride and mother in law, should reframe from hosting as it can may that they are openly asking for gifts.

Family members can help plan the event; if none are available to help plan, bridesmaids can step in helping take care of the arrangements.

Bride Involvement in Planning?
Unless the shower is a surprise shower, the bride will generally provide details they would like at their shower. The host should ask about theme selection and additional details such as location, date, time, and activities to get a feel for of where to start.  Then it is up to the hostess or hostesses to use to bring the shower to life.

Who Do You Invite to a Bridal Shower?
The guest list should include only those who are also invited to the wedding.  If you don't intend to invite a guest to the wedding, you should not invite them to the shower.  Do keep the guest list manageable, if you are planning multiple showers don't invite the same people.  

Bridal showers are considered intimate. The guest list usually includes the bridal party and close friends and family of the couple.  How many you invite depends greatly on how large the wedding will be.  If you plan to surprise the bride with the shower, the maid of honor and bride's mother should work together to create a guest list they believe the bride will be happy with.   If you are not surprising the bride, have the bride assist with the guest list, but leave her out of the planning.

When Do you Mail Bridal Shower Invitations?
Preferably, invitations should be mailed out a month to six weeks before the shower, either by traditional mail or email.  Include the bride's name, date of the shower, time of the shower, the location, registry information, dress code, preferred method of RSVP, and the hostess(s) names.

Dress Code at a Bridal Shower?
Bridal showers can be as casual or formal as you would like.  But do indicate your preferred dress code on the invitation.  When in doubt, always dress up rather than down.  If you would like your bridal shower photos to look cohesion, you will want to advise your guest of a color scheme in the invitation.

Where to Throw a Bridal Shower?
When the bride lives close to home, consider holding it in her hometown.  If the bride resides in a different state, it may be more convenient for the guest if the bride to travels to her shower - instead of asking the bulk of the guest list to travel to her.  The location depends greatly on the type of shower and the host's budget.  Possibly a family member or friends home, a local restaurant, or if you have chosen a theme, it could be held at a spa, wine tasting room or special event center.

To Theme or Not to Theme?
Bridal showers don't have to include a theme, but it's a fun way to add personality to a party.  The theme can be as simple as rustic décor and attire, or as defined as a day at the spa day.  Favorite themes include a traditional tea party, Great Gatsby, nautical-inspired, or a beach party.

Is a Bridal Registry Necessary?
The wedding registry can also function as the bridal shower registry unless you have designated it a lingerie bridal shower.  Clearly, this would require a separate registry.  A lingerie registry can help guests with appropriate sizing.  

Steps to Planning a Bridal Shower

Create a Shower Budget
The most important step to plan a bridal shower is to create a budget for the event.  Your budget should include venue, food, drinks, photography, décor, flowers, rentals, and any other vendors and expenses incurred while planning.  Depending on the theme and the bride's taste, a typical bridal shower can cost somewhere between $20 to over $100 per guest.

The Date
Consult with your bride to choose a date that works and within the wedding timeline; usually, four to six weeks before the wedding.  Remember, many brides plan their bridal shower the same day as their bachelorette party to limit the number of times out of town guests need to travel.  So the time frame may only be a week or two out from the wedding.

Creating the Guestlist
Consult with the bride on a must-invite list and continue to work with her as you create the full list.  Do have the bride review and approve the list before you send out invitations.

Choose the Location
Often the hostess offers their home for the bridal shower.  If this option is unavailable, ask your co-planner if she has available space.  Or consider special event venues that correlates with your theme; a spa, micro-brewery, a restaurant, or hotel, or rent an Airbnb or VBRO for a beach-themed weekend.

Send the Invitations
Give your guests as much advanced notice as possible.  Giving them time to arrange attendance and to purchase gifts.  Invitations should be sent out four to six weeks before the shower date.  This means you should start looking for and purchasing invitations at least a month prior to the mail-out date.  It is also good form to include an extra line on the RSVPs for guests to note dietary restrictions.

Plan the Menu
The menu depends on the time of day and the shower theme.  If you are hosting a brunch, stock up on mimosas ingredients and brunch foods.  Make sure the menu includes dishes the bride likes and options for guests with dietary restrictions mentioned on their RSVPs.

Plan Shower Décor
If you have hired an event designer, you are done here.  If however, you are the decorator, this can be argued the best part of planning a bridal shower.  Whether you have designated a theme or not, think about the personal touches you can provide for the bride.  Lovely floral and balloon appointments, but do include a picture-perfect photo backdrop.

Plan Games and Activities
Activities are great icebreakers for the guest, especially if they are not acquainted with one another.   Many traditional shower games require just a bit of creativity!   Check out Etsy for fun shower games, if budget permits.

Create a Playlist
Music sets a mood at any event, be sure to select fun or theme inspired music.  Have the bride send a list of some of her favorite songs, and included love songs and cheerful tunes for background music.

Would you like help planning a bridal shower party?  Consider the experience special event planners at Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette.  This private event center in Lafayette Louisiana can arrange all the details allowing friends and family of the bride a stress free day of merriment.  

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Planning your wedding is a challenge under normal circumstances but doing so during a pandemic presents a unique set of obstacles.  You might be entertaining the idea of putting the wedding off or trading your dream wedding for a courthouse wedding.  

It is safe to say that weddings in 2020 will look a bit different, whether it is limited to a guest list of 50, as it is in Louisiana, or postponing it until you can have the one you dreamed of later on.   Unfortunately, COVID-19 has disrupted the wedding industry as a whole.

To help you prepare for your wedding during COVID, or postponing it, we have spoken with local planners. Their overwhelming advice is to be prepared, follow the state and local news closely, and keep an open dialog with your vendors and guests.  Their best advice is to hire a planner; as they can help you navigate this overwhelming balance of meeting state and local mandates and planning the perfect wedding    

"Where there is a problem, there is always a solution."

No matter your situation, it's essential to keep your eye on the goal.  As always, self-care is essential; it is alright to cry. It's okay to be angry or to feel other emotions associated with a loss. 
This big day you have been planning will come. It may just be a matter of when.  No matter the concession you have to make, when the day does arrive, it will be amazing.  

Here is what you need to know about corona-virus wedding planning

If you are planning a wedding in the U.S. in 2020.
Regulations vary by state and sometimes by county or parish, so it's important to stay informed on the latest guidelines at your chosen wedding location and where your guests are coming in from.

To make the best decision, and for the safety of your guests, consider the following.
Schedule a team consultation.  Arrange a virtual conference with your team and ask them to have their calendars with them, including the wedding planner, venue, catering, musicians, video, and photography; Zoom makes this possible.   A conference call will allow you to establish a date everyone is available, or find a backup date if state or local regulations shift.
Keep in mind, chances are slim that your entire team and plan will be carried out without any changes.  The goal is to plan your big day with the least amount of changes and financial impact as possible.  Speak with your fiancé about non-negotiable details prior to the team conference. 


May we suggest hiring a planner.
If you have not enlisted the help of a planner, consider this an essential step.  The planner will have relationships with vendors involved in every facet of a wedding.  Their contact list is generally worth every penny you will pay.  Especially in our current situation, their established relations will absolutely be invaluable.  

Once you have hired a pro, be ready to move quickly on decisions.  As you can imagine, the environment is fluid, and obtaining confirmation is imperative to your wedding day's success.  Wedding planners' other clients are your competition for dates and vendors.  There as so many love birds in the same boat as you.

Moving Forward with a Date this Year
In addition to guest limitations, you will need to implement safety precautions.  Event centers and vendors may require thermometer scans, sanitation stations, masks, and possibly waivers of responsibility for guests to sign.  Inform guests of the precautions you are taking on your wedding website or Facebook group will give them confidence in attending.  


Following CDC Guideline
If you have your date, vendors, and venue set, you will need to pay attention to what the national and local experts suggest and heed their advice.  If you have followed our advice and enlisted a wedding planner, they will be abreast of changes in mandates and help you navigate accordingly. 

We understand that it is your wedding, the most anticipated day in your life, but the shaded memory of celebrants leaving your wedding sick will not make lovely reflections of your special day. 
 
Design with Availability in Mind
Our current climate may impede the florist's ability to deliver your choice of flowers, depending on where they are sourced.   While flowers are sourced worldwide, a corona-virus outbreak could shut down vendors overseas or imports to the United States.   

Consider Sourcing Local Goods
When searching for items for welcome bags, consider working with a local vendor and supporting a small business!

Consider a Virtual Wedding
For your elderly guests or those who cannot travel to the wedding, considering live streaming your wedding.  You can speak with your videographer about setting this up; technology and necessity have made this once crazy idea quite plausible to arrange.  

Wedding planning teams all over the U.S. have dreamed up attractive offers to allow love birds to execute a miniature version of their dream wedding.  If you are adamant that your wedding will be held this year, contact local wedding venues in Lafayette, Louisiana and speak with their event planner;  you might just be amazed at their ingenuity.  

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Are you celebrating your fifth-year anniversary, or are you attending a celebration at one of Lafayette Louisiana's Wedding Anniversary Venues?  Even more important, are you wondering which gift to give or exchange at this particular milestone celebration?  Below we have covered some of our favorites traditional, with a twist, 5th anniversary gits.

What is the traditional 5th-anniversary gift?
Tradition holds that a couple receives and gives a gift of wood for their 5th anniversary, symbolizing their union's strength.  A modern twist on this tradition is flatware, this also seems a little tricky when choosing a gift, but fear not - we've found some unique prospects for you to consider.  In addition,  the gemstone sapphire is also associated with a 5th anniversary, and as an extension - the color blue.

5-Year Anniversary Gifts for Them

Cutting board
Sound a little dull?  Clearly, you have not been shopping for cutting boards lately.  Today, cutting boards come in all variations of exotic and mixed wood designs, with ornate handles, and even custom engravings.

Engraved spoons
Were you considering a modern twist on the anniversary gift?  Consider gifting silverware even if the couple has a basic silverware set, what couple could not use an additional serving set for entertaining.  Then, there is the combination wood and serving ware – salad tossing set.  The set usually involves a large spoon and fork used for tossing the salad in dressing.  Today you can find these useful items in exotic wood, making the gift even more unique.

Rustic holiday decor
A simple wooden holiday ornament could prove the right addition to their holiday tree and make a beautiful heirloom for generations to come.  

Cocktail ware
While cocktail ware isn't exactly silverware, the addition of silver to stemware, shaker or a serving tray surely counts as a gift in the spirit of the celebrations.  If you prefer to be a stickler, consider cocktail mixing utensils such as tongs or a long mixing spoon.

Wine in a wooden box
A bottle of wine is almost always appreciated as an anniversary gift, by upping the ante with a wooden gift box you will have certainly given the nod to the tradition.

Cork holder
Another twist on the gift of wood is a beautiful cork holder - a shadow box.  Consider having it engraved with the couple's name and wedding date.  This can serve as an elegant way to display the corks from celebratory anniversaries. 

Coasters
Engraved wooden coasters personalized with the couple's initials offer an affordable yet personal gift for couples that entertain.  

Bottle opener
From friends, Mrs. to Mr., or vice versa – a customized wall mounted bottle opener could strike the right chord.  Especially for those couples that enjoy sports and entertaining. Doesn't everyone need a beer bottle opener near the bar-b-que pit?

Hammer
Sticking to tradition, who does not love a useful, if not practical gift.  Once again, you can personalize this gift by engraving the wooden handle with a quote about building your life together.  Very simple and yet super sweet.

Dock organization station
A wooden organizer is yet another practical gift nodding to the traditional gift of wood.  Perfect for stashing his belongings when you walk through the door, and for her a wooden keepsake box to place special gifts or jewelry. 

Wood carved figurines
A statue of a lovers embrace his or her favorite animal.  Our personal favorite with a node to the next generation is a wooden Winnie The Pooh.  

Jewelry
The whiskey barrel wooden watch has set off a huge trend in non-traditional jewelry gifts.  Now available from multiple vendors, these watches are available in exotic woods, even mixed woods, and every shade of wood you could desire.

Sapphire
Is the traditional stone given for the 5th wedding anniversary?  Your imagination and budget are the only things holding you back on this gift.  Do a simple search on your phone for sapphire gifts for him and her and you will see what we mean.  

Wind chimes
Is there anything more calming than the sound of wind chimes while relaxing in the backyard?  Beautifully arranged in varying sizes and décor, wooden wind chimes are a thoughtful gift to the couple celebrating their 5th year anniversary.  

At the start of the reception, you will enjoy your first dance as a couple before savoring small bites with your guests. Immediately after the champagne toast and cake cutting, you will get to celebrate your milestone moment with family and friends before finishing your day with formal photos.  More information about our Mini Weddings packages is available at southerncoutureweddings.com/mini-weddings.
 
Conveniently located in Parc Lafayette, Le Pavillon is next door to the Hilton Home 2 Suites, and near many stores and eateries.  Le Pavillon features grand french architecture, three exquisite event spaces, and elegant decor, our reception venue is sure to exceed wedding venue expectations.
 
If you would like to have your celebration, business meeting, wedding, or special event at Lafayette’s premier reception venues, please contact Hannah Trahan at 337-371-1076 or email her at hannah@lepavillonlafayette.com!

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Le Pavillon Reception Venue - Rescheduling your wedding plans.
Over the last few weeks, “unprecedented” seems to be a popular term to describe situations and events that have never been witnessed in a lifetime for several people.  Accompanying the unprecedented COVID-19 are stress, panic, hysteria, and uncertainty in the heavy silence in the air.  While being directly affected by the needed closures brought about by the novel corona virus, our Le Pavillon Family and Team are honored to serve our clients and patrons.  We are committed to easing the added stress, to the best of our ability, in an-already-stressful-time of planning a special event.

We have been working diligently to take care of our clients affected by the pandemic.   The majority of our clients who have followed these tips have had a successful reschedule of all vendors with absolutely no additional fees!  While we cannot guarantee success across the board, we want to share our knowledge with you!

1. Reschedule.  Don’t cancel!  We have found that all vendors are being extremely kind and workable by allowing postponements. Cancellations have resulted in lost deposits and payments that have been made. Most of our clients have successfully rescheduled all vendors.

2. Contact all vendors and get all open availability for July-December.  Create a spreadsheet so that once all information is gathered, a guide is created to figure which date is available for all or majority of the vendors.

3. Consider July, August, and September!  Due to the heat in Louisiana, summer months are traditionally slower for weddings and special events.  The most open dates are available during these months which will be helpful as you navigate securing a new date.

4. Be Flexible and Kind. This is hard on everyone, including vendors.  Most vendors are trying very hard to accommodate their clients’ requests.

5.  Gratitude!  Perspective and reflection are key to centering hope on the important things in life.  Thank you, to ALL of our Le Pavillon Family, Team, Clients, Vendors, Patrons, Servers, Managers, Directors, and Guests for your patronage!  We wish you all health and safety!

Once special events are back in business, Le Pavillon can provide the ultimate experience including custom decor, planning, and catering services.  Not only can our team handle the planning of your special event from start to finish, but we can also CATER your celebration with a custom culinary menu designed by Chef Paul Gibson featuring high-end, flavorful dishes with a Louisiana flair.
Here is a sampling of our popular menu items offered by Le Pavillon Catering:  Praline Chicken; Chicken & Gouda Flatbread; Shrimp Stir-Fry; Fruit Display; Charcuterie Board; Roasted Brussel Sprouts; Crab Pearls; Catfish Roulade; Coconut Shrimp; Jalapeno Bacon Burger Sliders; and Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs!

Conveniently located in Parc Lafayette, Le Pavillon is next door to the Hilton Home 2 Suites, and near many stores and eateries. Featuring grand french architecture, three exquisite event spaces, and elegant decor, Le Pavillon is sure to exceed all of your expectations.
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If you would like to have your celebration, business meeting, wedding, or special event at Lafayette’s premier reception venue, please contact Hannah Trahan at 337-371-1076 or email her at hannah@lepavillonlafayette.com!

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​Late spring is the ideal time to shine a light on your student’s exceptional academic, athletic, and artistic achievements. Recognizing those achievements at an awards banquet not only provides student recognition but creates motivation for your students to keep up the excellent work for the next school year. If this is your first year planning and finding an awards banquet hall, fear not, we have created a ten steps guide to help you plan.

1. Establish your budget. Your budget will help determine where you can hold your awards banquet, the menu, décor, type of awards, and invitations. If you plan ahead, you can consider approaching local businesses to help sponsor your event; in return, you can mention them in your awards program.

2. Determine the date of your awards banquet. Make sure your dinner or lunch doesn’t conflict with school or athletic commitments. Consult with your school’s various committees, to avoid overlapping dates.

3. Choose an awards banquet venue. First on your list should be your awards banquet venue. If your school gymnasium or cafeteria is the location of choice, parking should not be an issue. If you choose an offsite location, make sure the venue can meet the parking needs of your students and their families. If you have your heart set on a specific venue, call early to reserve your date. Most banquet venues book well in advance; you will want to call as early as possible to reserve your date.

4. Choose a menu. Your budget ultimately determines your menu, and how formal or casual the awards banquet will be. Banquet venues often have multiple catering services you can use. If your banquet is held onsite at your school, you will probably need to hire a catering service. Regardless of the venue location, don’t forget to include a vegan option for those who do not eat meat.

5. Send out invitations. This vital detail will include RSVPs and will help you gauge how many students and guests will be attending. Knowing the number of guests determines how many tables, dinners, and possibly awards you need to order. Invitations are invaluable and can be as casual or formal as budget allows.

6. Seating arrangement. Create a visual seating arrangement, assigning students with their parents or guest, and staff to tables can help you stay organized. A seating assignment can also avoid chaos, including students wanting to sit near their friends.

7. Planning the program. The awards banquet program is a simple outline with the sole purpose of creating an organized timeline for your planning committee. It can also serve as a formal printed program. Printed programs are great keepsakes of the evening. A few essential details to consider are mentioning keynote speakers, presenters, the order of the awards, sponsor ads, and possibly how long each presentation will be. Including a program also allows the guest to break away if necessary, without missing their loved one’s award acceptance.

8. Ordering your awards. The type of award you present can vary greatly depending on your budget. Awards can range from traditional trophies and ribbons to medallions, certificates, pins, gift cards, electronics, and more. Be sure to order awards at least a month in advance–especially if you are ordering custom awards.

9. Plan and order decorations. An often-overlooked detail is the décor. Most award banquet venues only provide the landscape, think tables and chairs. Decorations, such as table covers, table skirts, and centerpieces are probably your responsibility, ask the venue if these are included or if you need to arrange for these. You might want to consider a photo station with a logo backdrop, dramatic balloon arches or other creative decor.

10. Create an awards banquet schedule. Give yourself and assistants time to decorate, test the sound system, arrange tables, speak with the caterers and wait staff, arrange awards in order of presentation, and other last-minute details that are sure to arise.
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Need help finding your awards banquet hall in Lafayette Louisiana? Consider calling Le Pavillon and allow Hannah and her team to take the stress of finding a venue and planning your awards banquet.

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Are you celebrating New Year’s Eve with a party this year? We curated a few festive ideas to help decorate your party venue in Lafayette Louisiana. Whether you are hosting an elegant soiree or a casual get together, your event can benefit from one or more of the glitzy ideas below.

1. Party Table – Get inspired by a mirrored disco ball centerpiece, clock collection and candles (many of which you can find at the Dollar Store). This elegant table will be sure to wow your party guests!
2. Mini Bow Ties (DIY style) – Try adorable bow ties with adhesive color gemstone buttons to dress up champagne glasses. The color can identify to whom the flute belongs on New Year’s Eve. 
3. Elegant Table Scapes – While white, silver and gray tend to be the color scheme for New Year’s Eve, you could pull in any trio of colors using Christmas tree décor. Light or dark, consider layering in party hats and horns for the count down. Silver or Gold tinsel ribbon tied around cocktail napkins add a festive touch and sprinkle the extra tinsel around the tables for a glitter effect when the lights dim. 
4. Black & Gold – This color duo brings elegance and drama to any table. Adorn your chairs like a gift-wrapped present — wrap chairs with iridescent fabric for that extra wow factor.
5. Festive Themed Party Table – Add stylish leopard plates either on top or bottom of a solid color appetizer or dinner plate. Consider an elegant clock-face runner adorned with pearl throws as party favors. Clear glass votives with vintage glass ornaments will add sparkle.
6. Glam & Glitz – Try do-it-yourself gold leaf chargers and sprinkled gold confetti around the table.
7. Elegant Clock Plates (DIY) – Find a clock face or faces to print. Use clear glass dinner plates and place the cutout of clock faces between a gold, silver or black charger and the transparent glass plate. 
8. Table Centerpiece(s) – Decorative plates featuring a mix of silver, black, white, clear or gold décor create a festive, eye-catching focal point.
9. Glass Bottles – Transform an array of old glass bottles into a simple centerpiece. You will need gold, silver, white and black spray paint. Use four glass bottles and four large numbers to add the new calendar year (one number on each bottle, or all four numbers on one bottle leaving the others simple painted in your color scheme of choice. Spray each bottle a different color, using a complementary color for the numbers. You can use a stencil for the numbers or you can free-hand paint them.  
10. New Year Wall Décor – Ring in the New Year with a festive wall for photo ops. Consider a printable banner with the New Year or eclectic rosette fans either wall mounted or hanging, include tassels or streamers for filler. Any elegant color trio will work for this masterful photo backdrop. 

The following are excellent suggestions for color combos that create real impact regardless of a dark or light theme:

• Spring Mix Jumbo Party Confetti Coins (pink, blush, and gold)
• Mini Gold Foil and Grey Appetizer Party Plates
• Metallic Mix Jumbo Party Confetti Tissue (gold, black and silver)
• Gold Strokes Black Cocktail Napkins
• An assortment of cupcake or dessert toppers – with the words Cheers, Yay, Celebrate, and Let’s Party to place randomly throughout the dessert trays.
• Gold, Black, Silver, Grey, or Blush colored foil paper fans.
• Hurricane candle holders – for floating votive or pillar candles.

When you are planning a New Year’s Eve Event that requires a large elegantly-appointed private event space in Lafayette Louisiana, consider Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette. ​

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With last year’s bohemian minimalist influence on its way out you’ll notice a stark difference in brides-wear this fall.  Think beach bride turns more fairy nymph, and Louis XIV meets ‘70s disco minimalist.  Look for statement pieces that catch the eye with a dash of color strutting reception venues in lafayette this fall. .

Perhaps it’s lingering majestic inspiration from The Duchesses of Sussex and York, or a reverse reaction to the increasingly casual take on street style, but this is the year of exaggerated swelled sleeves, high ruffled necklines, and confection bottoms.  Envision Victoria Era inspiration all around.

Necklines are high this fall, using a range of texture and finery.  Silk and satin ruffles, lace and tulle, to feathers and fur.  Necklines and sleeves have taken a dramatic turn.  The return of sleeves is not for modesty or warmth, in stark contrast they are a statement. Giving new life to the description big, bold and beautiful.  Sheer sleeves create a longer line while showing skin and far from traditional, they are ruffled or swelling at the wrist and are often detachable.

Capes too are making a comeback.  Sheer or ruffled, embroidered or embellished, long or short, these fresh and innovative designs are quite stunning as an entrance and exit accessory or to provide an element of cover to exposed skin or minimalist style. A classic chic style we are please has found its way to the scene.

Bohemian Replacement – Tulle layered skirts, feather accessories and wide-brimmed hats don the bohemian replacement – the fairy nymph.  More structured than its predecessor, this effortless and polished look is rather reminiscent of the modest middle-class Victorian Era than regal.   It’s an ode to the past, a visit to traditional sensibility.

Top hats wrapped in tulle or wrapped in a veil and cocktail headwear finish our list of fall wedding attire.  Many of the fabrics and finery listed above are incorporated into wedding venue décor as well.  Adding feathers of varying size and tulle to floral arrangements and arches for photographs, while the top hats and exaggerated headwear are playing double duty as cake table adornments.

If planning nuptials is in your future, consider touring Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette, the premier wedding and reception venues in Lafayette Louisiana.  With grand French architecture and a traditional colonnade, it’s sure to impart a lasting impression for your fall wedding.  Their team of wedding professionals will take the stress of planning the momentous event of your plate.  Le Pavillon boasts a team of hand-picked preferred vendors that can execute a simple casual affair or a full-blown all-star experience depending on your needs.   No detail is overlooked when partnering with our wedding team, call (337) 371-1076 for more information or visit our website for additional information on our reception venue.

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Are you tasked with organizing an annual holiday work party? It can be a lot of fun if approached the right way. As with any event, the focus should revolve around the attendees. The party venue should also reflect your guest. If the guests have a great time, your event planning will be remembered as a success, even when some details were accidentally overlooked. The great news about planning a holiday party is that everyone wants to enjoy it, so your job is essential to keep the energy going.

Some of the best ideas for work parties are the ones that encourage attendees to laugh and smile. A successful party need not cost a fortune, but you do need a budget, so start there. Once your budget is established, ask your co-workers to participate in generating creative ideas. Below are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing.

Guess Who’s Santa
Simple, yet fun, and guaranteed to garner laughs. Enlist a co-worker to dress up as Santa. After your guest have arrived invite Santa into the room to deliver gifts and introduce him or her to the crowd. During Santa’s introduction, ask your guest to raise their hand if they know who it is. Offer a present to the first to recognize Santa.
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Door Prizes
If your budget doesn’t allow for gifts for everyone, consider door prizes. Crowd favorites are paid day off or gift certificates to local restaurants and coffee houses. For additional fun, offer prizes for guessing the number of candy canes or Hershey’s Kisses in a vase.

Christmas Around the World
Spice things up, consider an international Christmas menu. Traditionally, Mexican, Asian and Italian make this list, but don’t overlook unusually ideas such as Polish, Finnish, or Tai cuisine. For additional international flair, consider decor and traditions from each country.

Special Causes
Holidays are a time of giving. While everyone is the spirit, many companies include charitable giving to their holiday celebration. The company holiday party is a great opportunity to recognize those involved in charity work within the company. If your company is so inclined, consider collecting presents for the less fortunate in the community, or consider sponsoring a family for the holidays. You could supply a list of the sponsored family’s needs and allow volunteers to purchase items on their wish list.

Local Entertainment
If budget permits, hire a local entertainer to liven up the evening. Bands, comedians or local radio or tv personality can bring the event to the next level. Do limit the time your entertainment will be the focus. Remember that the idea is to have a company social where employees have an opportunity to visit.

White Elephant Gag Gifts
People find it easier to purchase funny gifts than traditional presents, especially when working with a range of personalities. More popular ideas for this type of gifting include prizes for the worst gift under $10 or $20. Be sure to establish gag gift rules to keep it clean and HR friendly.
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If your holiday party planning requires a corporate event venue in Lafayette, la, consider Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette.  This beautiful venue has ambiance and hand-picked caters that relish in exceeding your expectations.

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