New Testimonial from Belvac Production Machinery, Inc.

Lynchburg, VA - Belvac Production Machinery, Inc. held its annual corporate holiday party on the evening of December 6, 2008 at the Craddock Terry Hotel in dowtown Lynchburg. Armistead Events was selected as Belvac's entertainment choice after interviews with several area DJs. When the president of the company was presented with the options for entertainment his reply was "Let's go with the fun guys."

Getting to the event was a small challenge due to a light seasonal snow fall and blocked traffic because of the Christmas parade being held on the downtown streets. Belvac provided shuttle services for employees attending the event. The presentation of service awards was the featured activity of the night with special gifts being given to the award recipients.

Trish Glover, Belvac's Corporate Administrative Coordinator, sent this email following the event.

"Thank you! You guys were awesome. I will recommend you to anyone who asks."

Mrs. Trish Glover
Corporate Administrative Coordinator
Belvac Production Machinery, Inc.

New Testimonial from Cindy Keppler

Lynchburg, VA - Ron and Cindy Keppler celebrated their son's marriage on December 6, 2008. Cindy held a Wedding Reception After Party at the Courtyard Marriott following a cake and punch reception at the church where the ceremony was held. Armistead Events was pleased to have been selected as the entertainment provider for the evening. DJ Shawn Storey from Armistead Events kept the energetic crowd dancing the entire night! Here is what Cindy had to say in an email to us the following day:

"Thank you sooooo much for everything. Shawn did a great job! Everybody had a awesome time. Justin and Heather were surprised at how nice the After Party was and they really appreciated everything. Thanks for throwing in the "lights". They were a big hit. We will highly recommend you to our family and friends that live in your area. Thank you again for an excellent and professional job. "

Sincerely,
Ron and Cindy Keppler

Catering Ideas For Your Wedding or Party

Do you want your favorite food served at your special event. Take a recipe to your caterer and ask if they are willing to prepare it. Feel free to Email us your favorite event recipes to share with our readers. Below are a few that have already been submitted.

Ideas For Appetizers To Serve At Your Wedding Or Special Event:

• Air-popped popcorn served in decorated paper cones

• Place mushroom caps in a roasting pan fill each mushroom cap with herbed cream cheese top with roasted sweet red pepper strips sprinkle with black ground pepper drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes

DEVILED EGGS

12 hard boiled eggs, shells removed and eggs halved lengthwise

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup prepared mustard

2 Tablespoons cider vinegar

2 Teaspoons Sugar

6 Teaspoons softened cream cheese

Egg Yolks

Dill for Garnish

Paprika for dusting

1. Remove yolks from eggs and place in a large bowl, mash with the back of a fork. Stir in the mayo, mustard, vinegar, sugar and cream cheese. Mix well until nice and smooth.

2. Stuff the egg white with the yolk mixture. Refrigerage for at least 1 hour.

3. To serve, lightly sprinkle with paprika and garnish with dill, if desired.

Mother / Son Dance Song Suggestions For Your Wedding

There are several songs you can use for a Mother/Son dance. These are just a few suggestions. Contact us for more. If you know of a song that is not listed send it to us so that we can make sure we have it listed in our music library.

A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men
A Song for My Son by Mikki Viereck
Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
Have I Told U Lately by Van Morrison
I Am Your Child" by Barry Manilow
I Will Always Love You
Memories by Elvis
Sunrise Sunset from Fiddler On The Roof Soundtrack
The Dance by Garth Brooks,
The Perfect Fan by Backstreet Boys
The Greatest Love Of All
The Times of Your Life" by Paul Anka.
The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
The Wonder of You" by Elvis
The Man You've Become - Molly Pasutti
My Wish - Rascal Flatts
Remember When - Alan Jackson
Blessed - Elton John
Book of Love - Peter Gabriel
Do I Make You Proud - Taylor Hicks
I Hope You Dance - Leann Womack
I Wish You Love - Rod Stewart
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
There You'll Be - Faith Hill
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
I Wish You Love - Natalie Cole
In Your Eyes - David Chamberlain
I'll Stand By You
Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life - Stevie Wonder
You Needed Me - Anne Murray
How Sweet It Is James Taylor

New testimonial from Holly Weischedel

Holly's wedding was on September 27, 2008. Armistead Events, then Southern Soundz Entertainment, provided the disc jockey entertainment for her wedding reception which was held at the Booker Building in Altavista, VA.

“Armistead Events (formerly Southern Soundz) did a spectacular job at my wedding reception! They were great to work with and so incredibly organized. They really made sure that I (the bride) did not have to worry about a single detail when the day arrived.

I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, friendly, highly organized event planner. They made everything run so smoothly. They also did a great job keeping the guests involved and having a great time. Great choices in music selections as well! I barely suggested any songs and they played the perfect mix.”

Holly Hodges Weischedel

Thanks for the kind words Holly. We enjoyed working with you and your Mom.

THE NEW TAGLINE WINNER IS......

We would like to thank everyone again for stopping by to cast your vote for our new tagline. The winner by a landslide is.....

"Dream...Create...Enjoy"

Bouquet Toss At Your Wedding Reception Alternatives

In the old days single ladies tore a piece of the bride’s gown to take home for good luck. As years went by, that tradition transitioned into the bride throwing her flowers for the single ladies. They say the lady who catches the bouquet is the next to be married. Some brides don’t want to do the traditional bouquet toss so they are using alternative tosses at their weddings. Below are some ideas.

• Split your bouquet in half and give half to your mother and half to your mother-in-law. You can also have two smaller bouquets made to give them.
  
• Split your bouquet and present it to your grandmothers, or have smaller bouquets made for them.
  
• Think of a guest you would like to honor and give it to them as a good luck or thank you bouquet.
  
• Invite married and single women to the center of the floor. Have your emcee tell them to make a wish while your bouquet is in the air and hopefully the dream will come true for the person who catches it.
  
• Make a bunch of small bouquets that you can hold all together in your hand. Tie a fortune to each small bouquet. Invite all your guests to the dance floor and throw them all at once for your guests.
  
• Tie a gift card for something that would be nice for a man or a woman such as a gas gift card or grocery gift card. Invite men and women to the dance floor and throw the bouquet. If a woman catches it she can keep the gift card and the bouquet. If a man catches it he keeps the gift card and since he probably won’t need the bouquet give him the option to present the bouquet to any guest he wishes.

Special Event Insurance - Do You Really Need It?

In a word ... YES! This is one of the most overlooked expenditures in special event and wedding planning. Most people want their wedding vendors or event vendors to be insured. They think that somehow getting a vendor with insurance protects them if the catering should make someone sick or if a guest should slip and fall at their insured venue. Others think "Only close family and friends are attending my event. I know they wouldn't sue me for something my vendors did." That is total denial. Vendors do need their own liability insurance, however, the vendor's liability insurance will only cover the vendor in a lawsuit. You are left totally unprotected. Once a case is in a lawyers hands they will file suit against the vendor for negligence and they will also sue you for hiring them. Hospital bills have to get paid and so does that lawyer. It's easier to get paid if they are recieveing money from multiple sources. Do yourself a favor, get a good, one day, special event policy to cover you. They are available from most insurance agents and only cost from $300.00 to $500.00 for a two hundred person event.

Armistead Events entertains at BACC Business After Hours

Armistead Events was invited to entertain at the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours held at The Premier Room (3727 Old Forest Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501) on November 18, 2008 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. We provided background music for the networking event. We would like to thank Elizabeth and Doug Harrington, owners of the Premier Room & Premier Limousine Service, as well the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce for giving us the opportunity. We made some great contacts. Find out more about The Premier Room by clicking on this link: http://www.premierlimousineservice.net/1245148.html .

For more information on the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce click here: http://www.bedfordareachamber.com/ .

Vote For Our New Tagline!

We would like to send a special thank you to everyone stopping by our blog to vote for our new tagline. Please invite all of your friends to stop by and vote too. Voting ends on the 20th. We will post the winning tagline once voting is over.

Chris & Carla
Armsitead Events/Southern Soundz
(434) 665-1792

Tips For A Wedding Toast

The toast is a very important part of any wedding reception. If you're the maid of honor or best man, it's most likely your job to say a few words about the bride and groom. Since this is your time to shine, the tips below will help you with the perfect toast for a very special occasion. If you know that you are going to be giving a toast at the wedding reception, make sure that you prepare yourself. It is probably not a good idea to stand up in front of hundreds of people and just "wing it". Take some time to sit down and think about what you're going to say. When you are toasting, you are going to be saying some words about the bride and groom. You may want to write your thoughts down on an index card in outline form. Elaborate on your relationship with the bride and groom, why they are important to you and how much happiness and success you wish them in the future. If you are a naturally funny person tell a joke. Make sure it is in good taste. If you have a nice story about your friends include it in the toast. You could include details that your friends might have thought you forgot. It would be a pleasant surprise. You may want to inlcude a poem or a quote. If you are a more serious person make your toast more sincere and serious. Your toast can be sentimental, funny or serious. It is your choice. When in doubt, err on the side of being conservative.When you are finished, raise your glass, give your final wishes and take a sip. You will need to remember to hold the mic right up to your chin so every guest can hear you.

What A Flower Means

WHAT A FLOWER MEANS

Flowers may tell a story or have a unique meaning. Romance has long been linked to flowers. Do all symbolize love? Some say all Rose colors have special meanings. Some brides pay close attention to those meanings and just couldn't bear to have any other flowers on their wedding day. However, there are brides that have other preferences and may select the same flowers her mother may have carried or her wedding day, the state flower or her birth month flower. If the groom is a big flower giver the bride may select the first type of flower the groom gave her as a gift to carry on her wedding day.

Below are some flower facts I have been told through the years. If you know a flower fact or color meaning please share it with us and our readers.

Rose Colors and Meanings
Red: Love, passion, respect, courage
Yellow: Joy, friendship, freedomPink: Happiness, gratitude, appreciation, admiration
Cream: Thoughtfulness, charm, graciousness
Orange: Admiration, facination, enthusiasm, desire
White: Innocence, purity, secrecy, reverence
Roses in full bloom can express deep gratitude, a single rose says "I still love you."
A bouquet of rose buds represents innocent love, tea roses can send the message that you will always remember someone. Thornless roses can mean love at first sight. A bouquet of ten roses means perfection. Two roses means mutual love and affection. A bouquet of nine roses symbolizes you will be together forever. Three dozen roses means head over heels in love. A bouquet of fifty or more roses expresses a love that has no bounds.

Birth Month Flowers & Meanings
January: Carnation or Snowdrop - Facination; Devoted Love
February: Violet, Primrose or Iris - Modesty, faithfulness, Valor
March: Daffodil or Jonquil - Regard, Devotion, Sympathy
April: Daisy or Sweet Pea - Innocence, Blissful pleasure, Purity
May: Lilly of the Valley or Hawthorne - Fertility, Hope, Sweetness
June: Rose or Honeysuckle - Love, Devoted affection
July: Larkspur or Water Lily - Laughter, Purity of heart
August: Gladiolas or Poppy - Grace, Character, Imagination
September: Aster or Morning Glory - Daintiness, Symbol or love & affection
October: Calendula, Cosmos or Marigold - Joy, Modesty, Grace
November: Chrysanthemum - Rest, Cheerfulness, Lovliness
December: Narciassus, Poinsettia or Holly - Egotism, Formality, Good cheer, Merriment

Flower Meanings:
Calla: Transition of growth. Reflects beauty and pride gained from shared wisdom over time.
Bird of Paradise: Magnificence and splendor. Celebrates romance's unexpected side.
Hydrangea: Pride, greatfulness, praise and appreciation.
Orchid: Beauty, affection, understanding.

Other Flower Color Meanings:Pink: Innocence, youth, joy, grace
Purple: Royalty, ceremony, accomplishment, admiration
Red: Passion, Love
White: Innocence, Modesty, Elegance
Green: Health, good fortune
Shades of Blue: Calm
Orange: Confidence, satisfaction

Formal Wear Etiquette

When the invitation says "BLACK TIE"

If the event you are attending is "black tie" & the invitation says the same, you are expected to wear a tuxedo. All guests invited to this fuction are required & expected to wear formalwear. However, this term does not mean you have to wear a black tie!

When the invitation says "BLACK TIE PREFERRED"

This means the host of the party prefers to see all guests in formalwear. You could wear a dark suit, but tuxedos are preferred.

When the invitation says "BLACK TIE INVITED OR OPTIONAL"

In this case, it is not mandatory to wear to tuxedo, however, you will probably see more tuxedos than dark suits at these affairs. Black tuxedos & white or ivory dinner jackets with black trousers are appropriate. However, dinner jackets should only be worn between Memorial Day & Labor Day.

When the invitation says "WHITE TIE"

This term means you must wear black tails with black trousers & a white pique' formal shirt, bow tie & vest. This ensemble is known as the "ultra formal look" & if your event calls for it, you should not wear anything else.

* People do it, but removing your tuxedo coat at an event is not proper. Discarding your coat is a sure way to destroy the pomp of a formal occasion

How To Compromise On Your Guest List

How To Compromise On Your Guest List

Deciding on a final guest list for your wedding day can become an interesting and stressful task. It may take much patience and negotiation for all involved. How do you make it as simple as possible? Combine four seperate lists. The bride and groom each make a separate list and each set of parents should make a list. When making the list don't feel obligated to invite someone just because they may be offended if you invite another friend or relative and not them. If you have a friend or relative that you know in advance could be a potential problem on your special day simply do not add them to the list. If you can't decide if you should invite someone or not ask yourself this question: Would I take $100 our of my pocket and lay it in this person's hand and say "Go to a concert or go to dinner"? If you can't say you would do that for the person then don't invite them. You are paying for them to attend a special event. Is it rude? Some may think that it is, but the fact of the matter is that it's reality.The bride's mother must talk to the groom's mother about the number of invitations that will be available for the groom's parents to send, taking into consideration their financial contribution. If both families live close to each other, the lists can be divided evenly. When the groom's family lives in a different city or state, the number of invitations made available may be reduced, since the probability of attendance from the groom's family and friends may be reduced. If both families know each other, there is also the possibility of double listing mutual friends. In this case, the invitations should be divided evenly. If the groom's family wishes to invite more people than the number originally agreed upon, they should discuss this with the bride's family. If the number cannot be increased, the groom's family may offer to share the costs or host a separate reception after the honeymoon. Remember COMPROMISE, COMPROMISE, COMPROMISE.

Putting Your Quirky Little Twists On Your Wedding Day Festivities

Putting Your Quirky Little Twists On Your Wedding Day Festivities
Years ago it was unacceptable. Weddings are formal affairs, but lately they're getting some personality. Couples are tossing tradition and making their wedding distinctly their own.
Some brides are opting to wear shoes the same color as her bridesmaid dresses. Some brides are opting for chocolate frosting on their wedding cake tinted various shades. One groom had a love of flight. At the wedding the groom's cake took the shape of a plane and compasses served as escort cards. An outdoors loving couple may decide to hold their wedding outside in a field with the reception being held in a building or barn. A couple into the Civil War era may opt to hold their ceremony at a historic bed and breakfast that was once a home built or lived in during that time. One couple were beer enthusiasts. They sent out save-the-date cards in the shape of coasters and gave personalized beer glasses as favors at the reception. A bride had a love for gardening, she gave tulip bulbs in elegant gift bags. It has also become very popular to include cultural traditions into the ceremony & reception.
How do you decide what to incorporate into the theme of your special day? The best thing to do is think about your ideas, visualize the big picture and discuss it with your wedding coordinator/ director and ask their opinion. Once you have looked carefully at each option and have discussed it with all of the decisions makers for your event (after all if someone else is helping you pay for the wedding they do have input) you must decide what you feel will make you happiest on your wedding day and go with it.

Armistead Events wedding coordinators/directors are experienced at helping brides incorporate personalized style and cultural traditions into weddings.

If you are a bride who has included something special into the theme of your day, or if you know someone who has please share it with us and our readers.

The Benefit of Hiring A Wedding Director For Your Rehearsal & Ceremony

The Benefit of Hiring A Wedding Director For Your Rehearsal & Ceremony

When you think of a wedding director, think of a famous Hollywood director whose job is to have all the actors in place when he or she shouts "Action." The wedding director is there to orchestrate the event. Armistead Events wedding directors are trained, experienced and have directed hundreds of weddings. The director is there to make sure flowers get distributed to attendants and family and to cue the guest book and program attendants when it is time for them to be in place. He or she makes sure the photographer and/or videographer are ready, the ushers are ready to escort the guests to their seats and that the musician or musicians are cued when it is time to start the prelude. The director will make sure the grandparents and parents are seated at the appropriate time, that the celebrant, groom and ushers are ready and in place, that the flower girl and ring bearer are in place and that the bride and bridesmaids are ready to stroll down the aisle with their beautiful bouquets held just right. The director will make sure that any special traditions the bride and groom wish to observe happen at the appropriate time.
Great weddings don't just happen. Guests don't notice when timing is working well; they only notice when it is not. The director meets with the bride and groom prior to the rehearsal to make sure all the details for the rehearsal and ceremony are covered and a schedule has been created. There are direction and entertainment packages available for the reception too. The director will conduct the rehearsal. Having a non-family member conduct the rehearsal is a great bonus. There may be attendants or family coming that have not seen each other for quite some time. If they know you have hired a director they will be more willing to cooperate and not treat the rehearsal as a family reunion or time to catch up on the latest news. They will know it is serious and the faster everyone is confident with what they need to do for the ceremony the quicker everyone gets to the rehearsal dinner where there will be plenty of time to enjoy the company of those you have chosen to be a part of your ceremony.
The wedding director gives the bride and her family the chance to really enjoy the wedding without worry. It is the director who is there to handle any unforeseen crises that may arise. Many recent brides would assure you that a wedding director is essential and well-worth the price.
Finding qualified and experienced wedding directors can be a challenge. Armistead Events has certified wedding directors on staff. An Armistead Events wedding director will make sure the bride's wishes are executed on her wedding day.

Wedding Day Seating

Must Know Tips For Seating At Your Reception

The seating at your wedding reception is a very important subject. Some Brides think ahh...no big deal I'm having a head table for my wedding party and everyone else can just sit where ever they would like. Unfortunately things are not quite that simple. There are a few things you may want to take into consideration. If you are having a head table and the Father of the Groom is the best man do you want the Mother of the Groom to sit at the head table with him or with other family members at another table?If several members of your wedding party are married and their spouse and/or children will attend you will want to make sure your wedding party is clear about your wishes on where their family should sit and where they should sit. Some brides include spouses and/or dates of the wedding party at the head table. Some Bride and Grooms elect to have a sweetheart table for them and will make a seating chart for their wedding party and will seat them at round tables instead of a head table.If you are having a head table for your wedding party with reserved tables for your families you should make sure the people who are to sit at these reserved tables know exactly who they are. Keep in mind that your reception venue staff may not know who these family members are. If you have any difficult or stressful situations in your family such as a step families, siblings who don't get along, etc you may want to consider a seating chart. The seating chart is extra work, but may be the difference between certain individuals being comfortable or uncomfortable. Keep in mind that when guests are uncomfortable you always run the risk of problems or unwanted situations. If you have handicapped guests make prior arrangements for them if possible. If you know your grandmother will be in a wheelchair ask the venue to make sure the original chair is removed from her from her seat so that she may pull up to the table without being put on the spot by needing to ask someone to move anything for her. This goes back to the comfort issue. Make sure your guests are as comfortable as possible and the best way to do this is by thinking ahead. If you go the extra mile to make sure your guests are not put in an embarrassing situation they will notice and will appreciate it more than you will ever realize.

For more seating information call an Armistead Events Bridal Consultant today!

Wedding Invitation Wording

Wording your wedding invitations can be confusing. Standard wording is considered proper etiquette, but you can invite your guests in your own unique way. Remember to keep it as simple as possible and stick to the facts.

You can include a poem, or a message to your guests. You may want to insert words into the text that correspond with the theme of your special day. The options are endless.

For more information on invitation wording and etiquette tips make an appointment with an Armistead Events Wedding Consultant today!

Lynchbug DJ, Lynchburg Wedding DJ, Lynchburg Wedding, Wedding, Weddings, Photographer, Wedding dress, Wedding dresses, Bridal gown, Bridal accessories, Lynchburg dee jay, Lynchburg disc jockey

Where is the Armistead Events website?

I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting the Armistead Events website with all of the cool tools and information. We can't wait to get it to you, but it looks like we are going to have to wait a little longer. The website is still in the designer's hands. Hopefully it will be launched sometime around New Year's Day 2009 and will be well worth the wait.

In the mean time you can find us on Facebook at this link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Armistead-Events/41994853645

Please stop by our Facebook page and become a fan!

Armistead Events

Armistead Events is a full service event planning and management company serving the entire Virginia coast and Eastern seaboard.


We specialize in full service event management. Our expertise and experience allows our clients to enjoy themselves and their guests - leave the planning and worries to us.


Planning a wedding? Look no further. We can help you with your wedding planning from A to Z. Looking for entertainment, maybe a wedding disc jockey and emcee? Ask about our wedding planning services and tell us how we can help you have the wedding of your dreams!

No matter whether you need to organize a company conference, a team building day or stage an outdoor concert or festival, Armistead Events can help you put the Special in your special event.

Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions

Corporate Events & Company Picnics

Grand Openings

Fairs & Festivals

Block Parties

Fundraisers

Anniversary Parties

Graduations

Birthday Parties

Holiday Parties

Retirement Parties

School Dances & Functions

Class Reunions

Family Reunions & More

You Can Expect...

* Personalized Event Planning Assistance

* Unmatched Attention Paid To Each Detail

* Exceptional Sound & Lighting Equipment

* Top Notch Customer Service

* Knowledgeable, Experienced Disc Jockeys

* Professional Interactive Entertainers

* Music For Every Occasion

Our new website will be available in January 2009.

For more information contact Carla Armistead today at (434) 385-8008.

Recommended Links

Limousines Premier Limousine Service, LLC
"Home Of The Hummer"
http://www.premierlimousineservice.net/

Wedding Cakes

Coffey Cakes
http://www.coffeycakes.com/

Wedding Video

Lynchburg Live Video Production
http://www.lynchburglive.com/

W. Gaylor Productions
http://www.wendegaylor.com/

Photography

Jeff East Photography
http://www.jeffeastphotography.com/

Jack Henley Portrait Design
http://www.jackhenley.com/

C.E. Studio Inc.
Photography By Christy
http://www.ctstudiophotography.com/

Wedding Venues
Armistead Events highly recommends
The Inn At Trivium
http://www.theinnattrivium.com/

Boonsboro Country Club
http://www.boonsborocountryclub.com/

James River Conference Center
http://www.jamesriverconferencecenter.com/

The Premier Room
http://www.premierlimousineservice.net/

Bands, DJs, Soloists
Southern Soundz Entertainment

Marriage Celebrant
Carla Armistead (434) 665-1792
http://www.armisteadevents.com/

Wedding Planners & "Day Of" Directors
Armistead Events
Carla Armistead (434) 665-1792
http://www.armisteadevents.com/

Accomodations For Your Out Of
Town Wedding Guests

Days Inn & Wingate Inn
Brian Knopp, Regional Sales Manager
Call Brian for a block of rooms!
(434) 845-1700
http://www.sehotel.com/