{Haute Party} An Artistic Lunch

Each year a group of lovely ladies known as the "Louisiana Legislative Spouses Auxiliary" visit the LSU campus for a day of interactive tours and experiences. The day is always focused around a specific department or unit of campus, and this year the fun surrounded the College of Art & Design. What a fantastic set of programs at LSU! If you are a student interested in architecture, interior design or art...do yourself a favor, and check it out!

Anyway, we set up a fabulous lunch in the art gallery of Foster Hall. This little hidden gem is a must see next time you are crusin' down Dalrymple Drive! This particular exhibit focused on undergraduate student projects and we were very impressed! Since the walls were covered in fabulous art, we didn't want to distract too much with a fancy set up. So, we kept it simple with a gray and white color scheme. Enjoy!

The agenda served as the invitation for the group and set the tone for the color scheme and event signage.

Simple tables, chairs and linens provided by Event Rental. 

The fabulous white arrangements were provided by Billy Heroman's Flowerland. 

The food was set in a separate gallery right next door...with even more outstanding art from talented students!

Seriously, we don't know what Drake's Catering does to their simple spinach salads...but delicious...seriously.

Simple signage to label the food that matched the agenda/invitation.

Yum...just yum.

Much love to the fabulous vendors that helped make this event a success! Thanks to:

Event Rental (tables, chairs, linens)

Billy Heroman's Flowerland (flower arrangements)

Drake's Catering (food and beverage)

LSU College of Art & Design (venue and amazing tours/experiences!)

{Haute Party} Fit for a King...

For all our LSU Hauties out there, you will love the next few posts! We have been rockin' some LSU-themed events lately and are so excited to share some photos!

This particular event was a business/cocktail party focusing on the introduction of LSU President and Chancellor Designee, Dr. F. King Alexander. We rolled with an ivory, gold and white color scheme that was the perfect backdrop for some of our mercury glass vases. Enjoy!

The invitation set the tone for the color scheme and, of course, set the design for any event signage!

 

Tables, Linens and Fabulous Chairs provided by Event Rental

Gorgeous Flower Arrangements provided by Billy Heroman's Flowerland

To add a sense of texture to the five guest tables, we left one to strictly candles! 

Love our mercury glass trios!

Martini-Tied Cocktail Tables...yes please!

This photo doesn't do this space justice! The space was poorly lit and when the sun went down, you could have easily gotten lost! So we tossed some assorted mercury glass on the staircase to not only create a nice backdrop for the outdoor bar but also provide a little light for the guests. Win, Win!

Beyond tasty food provided by Drake's Catering

Of course the food labels matched the invitation!

Who doesn't love a signature cocktail??? Well, this one was super tasty!

We love our fabulous vendors that helped us make this event a success! Thanks to:

Event Rental (linens and furniture rentals)

Billy Heroman's Flowerland (flower arrangements)

Drake's Catering (food and beverage)

LSU Parking and Transportation (guest shuttle)

{Haute Party} Lily's 1st Birthday

As we gear up for Lily's 2nd birthday party this weekend, it's fun to remember all the little details of this mini-hautie's first birthday a year ago. Time flies WAY too fast!

Thanks so much to Chantilly Wedding Photography for capturing all the little details and moments that made that day so special! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to RSVP like a Champion

RSVP...Répondez, s’il vous plaît...Please reply...Regrets only...

However it may be listed on the invitation, that simple line of request is all too often ignored by potential party guests. It grinds my gears...it truly does. But, instead of simply venting on why, when and how much I hate hounding guests for their previously requested responses...what follows is a brief etiquette lesson to ensure you are not only an amazing party guest...but an amazing human being. Enjoy!

How to RSVP like a Champion:

1. Timing Matters

For a more casual event, there may be a deadline to respond but generally, the request will be open-ended. It is respectful to respond to the host of the event within a day or two of receiving the invitation. Should something happen prior to the event, it is acceptable to contact the host to change your response. It's less appreciated when it's a day-of change...but just showing up without giving the host notice is unacceptable and being a no-show is just plain rude.

2. Respond as Requested

Generally, the invitation will specify the manner in which to respond. For example, an email address or phone number will be listed with the response request. If the host truly loves you, an enclosure card with a pre-stamped envelope might be included. If not, take your cue from the form of the invitation. If the invitation was extended via email, reply via email...if the invitation was extended via phone, reply via phone, etc.

3. Short and Sweet

If the event is large, the host will be (happily) inundated with responses...so keep it short and sweet. A long explanation as to why you have to decline, isn't really necessary so a simple and polite note of regret would be appreciated. For example...

Thank you so much for the thoughtful invitation. I hate that I must decline due to a previous commitment.

 

Thank you so much for the beautiful invitation! Chris and I are excited to attend!

4. "RSVP" is not the answer

This is a personal pet peeve, but I just had to include it. I will judge you...hard...if you respond to my invitation with any form of the following...this is my RSVP or I'm RSVP'ing for the event. Ok...I'm assuming that you will be attending but I can't really be sure. RSVP literally translates to "please reply". It doesn't mean I'm accepting your invitation or declining your invitation...it is the actual request. So, again, use one of the following templates:

Thank you so much for the thoughtful invitation. I hate that I must decline due to a previous commitment.

Thank you so much for the beautiful invitation! Chris and I are excited to attend!

 

5. "May I Bring..."

 

Nope...the answer is nope. If the invitation was not addressed to you plus a guest or you plus your children, please for the love of please, do not ask the host if you can bring one, two or three additional people. If you were invited to an event to represent an organization and you are unable to attend, the host will ask for other potential representatives when you decline. Until then, assume it's a non-transferable invitation.

 

6. To include restrictions/needed accommodations or not...that is the question.

 

This is a tricky one. If you do not have a personal relationship with the host, I believe it's best to include any restrictions, allergies or special accommodations needed when responding to the invitation. The host would rather make any changes or revisions to the event in advance than have to tweak something day-of. For example...If you are invited to a sit down dinner that does not include menu choices and you are a vegetarian or have severe peanut allergies, it's best to mention something to the host in advance. If you require accommodations due to any physical handicaps, it is best to mention something to the host in advance. If you are invited to a buffet reception and you just don' t like seafood, it's not necessary to include that in your response. The host wants all of the guests to be comfortable and enjoy their experience but he/she has also put a lot of work and effort into the menu, venue and plan, so just keep that in mind when requesting special accommodations.

 

7. Lack of Response...Ugh.

 

Another personal pet peeve...your lack of response is not the proper way to decline or accept the invitation. When I, as the host, have to "touch base" with non-responsive guests and that person replies with " Well, I didn't respond because I can't go" or "I assumed that me not responding was telling you that I can attend"...my skin literally crawls. Again, RSVP translates to "please reply", so please reply.

 

8. But it didn't ask for a response?

 

Well, you're technically in the clear...but be a sweetie and offer a response anyway. The host will appreciate your extra effort!

 

 

Ok...so maybe this was a little bit of a rant disguised as an etiquette lesson...but ignore my motives and heed the advice! When you "RSVP" like a Champion, the host will adore you...trust me! The thought, effort and kindness extended by the host to include you in her/his event should be matched with your respectful response of accepting/declining the invitation...it's the least you can do!

 

 

 

Do you have etiquette questions? Feel free to email Rachel at trulyhaute@gmail.com!

 

Facility Coordinator vs. Day-of Coordinator

When we meet with potential clients, more often than not the topic of facility coordinators versus a day-of wedding coordinator is brought up. Luckily, Rachel can share a very unique view of this topic, having started her love affair with weddings as a facility coordinator at a local plantation years ago.

So, Rachel... Share the good, the bad, and the ugly!

What is a facility coordinator? A facility coordinator is hired by the facility, be it a church, plantation or reception hall, to ensure that the clients leave pleased with their choice to host their function at that venue while staying within that facility's policies and procedures. Obviously, every facility coordinator is different. Some go above and beyond the call of duty, while others do exactly what is necessary. Every venue is also different, so don't hesitate to ask very detailed questions regarding the coordinator's role before booking.

When I was a facility coordinator, I typically did not have contact with the bride until the week of the wedding. I was present at the rehearsal to ensure that the rules of the facility were mentioned to the wedding party and families. On the day of the wedding, I helped the vendors set up and made sure everything ran smoothly and everyone was pleased. If the bride forgot something or missed a big step in her planning (i.e. didn't order enough flowers, estimated guest count was off, poorly researched vendors beforehand, etc.), there was very little I could do as a facility coordinator to help her on that day. We always made it work, but there were times when the bride did have to make some compromises because some steps were skipped.

The major role of a facility coordinator is to be an advocate for the facility. A facility coordinator ensures the facility provides everything promised in the contract while making sure all guests, vendors, and the couple follow the facility rules while having a fabulous event. The biggest take away is that the facility coordinator will only be in attendance or able to help with the activities happening during the event at that particular facility. They aren't going to help with the coordination of the ceremony if you are only having your reception at her venue and vice versa. If you have the facility for three hours, you have the coordinator for three hours.

Please know that most facility coordinators in the Baton Rouge area are pure pleasures to work with and truly care about the importance of a successful wedding day....but here is the major difference...

What is a day-of wedding coordinator? A day-of wedding coordinator is an outside individual, not affiliated with a specific venue, that handles all the details of your entire wedding day. Hopefully, the couple communicates with this individual throughout the planning process to ensure familiarity is established and that all details are tied up and ready to go for the big day.

The day-of wedding coordinator might be a traditional wedding planner but, with this particular situation, was probably not involved with every small detail and step of the planning process. A day-of coordinator is typically hired to make sure the plans of the bride come to fruition. Basically, for the bride who just needs a little organization for the last bit of her planning process.

Any wedding planner will tell you, our preference is to be involved from step one: assisting with the event design to make sure every detail is cohesive and fabulous; making sure every potential crisis is averted from day one; and, most notably, that every possible want, wish, and desire of the couple is met from the beginning. With this being said, I am still tickled pink when a bride contacts us toward the middle of her engagement asking for a day-of wedding coordinator. Although all of our packages are custom made to fit the specific needs of our Hauties, typically, our day-of coordination services have us entering the scene no later than the last month of the planning process. In this final month, our coordinators serve as a liaison between the bride and the various vendors, communicate the detailed timeline and set up of the entire wedding day to all involved, and handle the logistical details of the rehearsal, set up, ceremony, reception, and break down.

The major role of a day-of wedding coordinator is to be an advocate for the bride. A day-of coordinator ensures that the bride is provided everything that every vendor has promised and that all needs of the couple are met throughout the entire wedding. Every wedding coordinator is different, so make sure to ask detailed questions before signing a contract.

Can you and should you have both? You absolutely can have both a facility coordinator and a day-of wedding coordinator! In fact, I encourage it! This just ensures that any challenge or crisis that occurs can be handled with ease. You have an advocate for you and for the facility... so all I's are dotted and all T's are crossed! Most facility coordinators breathe a sigh of relief when you tell them you have an outside coordinator because the extra set of hands just ensures that everything can be done quickly, smoothly, and more fabulously!

Ultimately, you have to do what's best for you. But, I will point out that when you hire professionals to handle your wedding day...the stress of "Will everyone show up on time? Will everything be set up the way I like? What if something happens when I'm getting my hair done?, etc." is gone and all you have to do is focus on the importance of the day and the beautiful celebration of your new journey with the love of your life!

If you have any questions or need clarification on any of the statements above, please don't hesitate to contact Rachel at trulyhaute@gmail.com.

{Guest Post} Getting Wedding Fit!

Hello Hauties!

Our favorite time of year is right around the corner...wedding season! If you are anything like us, this means...that be bride, bridesmaid or even just a guest...you are most likely about to put the pressure on to get "wedding haute" in a hurry. So, we reached out to Tyler Terrebonne with Sunset Smoothie & Sports Nutrition for some tips and advice on how to reach your goals...the healthy way!

Take it away, Tyler!

Of course, all brides want to look their best on one of the biggest days of their lives!

The good news: You have a significant amount of time to lose the fat and tone the muscle, the healthy way. You are a strong woman with drive and will power and YOU CAN DO IT!

The bad news: With the wedding planning and preparation, you will have more going on than ever, parties you don’t normally have in everyday life, more distractions than ever, and your stress level will be higher than ever.

Below are some general and basic guidelines for you to follow and keep in mind leading up to your wedding day.

Nutritional and Diet Basics

Commit to consuming 4-6 small meals & snacks every day. Your metabolism is like a camp fire. You want to constantly feed the fire (your body & metabolism) with smaller sticks (meals) to keep it going. Larger logs (meals) dampen the fire (your metabolism).

Keep it simple. Don’t get caught up on the specifics of your diet. Start by simply counting your daily caloric intake. If you ingest more calories than you burn, you will gain weight. If you ingest less, you will lose. Plain and simple.

Know your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Knowing how many calories your body needs to maintain itself (BMR) is the best start to find out where to begin for either gaining lean body mass (LBM) or losing fat. Google BMR calculator, enter your stats (height, weight, age, etc) & it will give you a number. This number is how many calories your body burns if you literally laid in bed all day. For example, if the number is 1,500, to maintain your weight, that’s how many calories you can consume for the day to simply maintain.

To burn 1lbs, it takes a calorie burn of 3,500cals per week OR 500 calories per day. SO, if you workout and burn 500 calories that day, you can still eat 1,500 calories that same day and STILL have been in the 500 calorie deficit. SO, if your BMR is 1,500, and you weren’t going to workout that day, but still wanted to be in the 500 deficit, you would only eat 1,000 calories for the entire day. BUT, bare in mind, most of us do not lay in bed all day. We are running errands, playing with kids, working, doing house chores, etc and are burning calories throughout the day. With that said, you don’t want to only eat 1,000 calories in a day.

Eating a lean protein source and a vegetable at night, no carbs, is a very fast and healthy way to cut weight in a short period of time (months leading up to your big day!)

Eat your food slower. It takes 20 min for your food to fully digest. Also, drink a 20oz glass of water before you eat, you will definitely eat less.

Make healthier food selections like fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, and beans, low-fat or nonfat dairy products, low fat meats, fish and skinless poultry.

Avoid foods that are high in fat and calories.

Avoid foods that are high in sugars such as pastries, candy bars, pies and candy. Avoid foods that have high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, sucrose.

Drinks lots of water! Do the 8 x 8 rule. 8-8oz glasses/day or 2 liters. Water flushes toxins out and carries nutrients to cells.


Workout Basics

Heart rate is key! If you can breathe and carry a conversation while performing the activity, you are not working hard enough!

Also, weight training IS NOT going to bulk you up, it’s only going to tone you faster and burn even more calories. The more lean muscle you have, the more your body works to maintain the muscle, therefore your metabolism will be higher.

Circuit training – a combo of weights and cardio together, will be the fastest way to lose the weight. Your heart rate is elevated as well as you are working your muscles.


With all this being said, a balanced diet with 5-6 smaller meals/day, lots of water intake, less alcohol and caffeine, and 3 – 5, 30-45 min workout sessions of an elevated heart rate per week will result in a transformed physique.

Hopefully after reading this, you gained a little more knowledge than you had before about what you will need to do to look your best on your wedding day!

If you have any additional questions, or are possibly interested in starting a supplement regimen to give your body an edge toward success, simply e-mail me at sunsetsmoothie@gmail.com or come stop by the shop at 17066 Airline Hwy, Prairieville, La 70769.

Tyler is neither a dietitian nor nutritionist. However, he does have 15+ years experience with playing sports, working out, mentorships under trainers and body builders, as well as owning Sunset Smoothie & Sports Nutrition in Prairieville, LA.

The Hauties would like to thank Tyler for taking the time to serve as our first guest blogger!

Meet the Hauties! (Part 3)

And lastly, Part 3...
 

Enjoy!

Meet Hannah

Our Associated Planner

An awesome shot of Hannah modeling for Mandi Nikole Photography

Favorite Song: Nessun Dorma (by Puccini and sung by Pavarotti) and Clair de Lune (by Debussy and played by my brother)

Favorite Movies: Casablanca, Legends of the Fall, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and Gangs of New York

Favorite Book: Beach Music by Pat Conroy

Guilty Pleasures: Red wine, good books, chocolate, Marilyn Monroe, hot tea, tattoos, polka dots, all things Alice, Disney movies, show tunes, and too much Netflix

Current Event Design Obsession: Eco-friendly events using vintage tableware, grandma's linens, fun paper products (yay maps!), and edible or useful favors (because who doesn't love cookies?)

Favorite Wedding Moment: I love the nervous excitement you can feel when the wedding party is about to walk down the aisle. I love cake, too. ;)

Little Known Fact: I play the cello and have played since I was eleven.

Favorite Quote: "Not all those who wander are lost." J.R.R. Tolkein in The Fellowship of the Ring

Favorite Designer: Kate Spade, Alexander McQueen, and Betsey Johnson

Favorite TV Show: Doctor Who, Mad Men, Grey's Anatomy, American Horror Story, The Big Bang Theory, and Law and Order: Special Victim's Unit

Another gorgeous shot of Hannah modeling, this time with Laura Merikay Photography

Read Hannah's Full Bio at www.trulyhaute.com/associate