To celebrate the New Year (2011), Vivienne Tiger Weddings and Events is offering a Free On The Day Management to the couple with the most romantic proposal story.
Valued at £500, this prize includes:
One meeting up to 6 weeks prior to your wedding to understand your design and layout - Contact all vendors prior to your wedding to confirm timelines - Coordination of wedding rehearsal if required – Manage set up of wedding sites according to layouts and design elements - Act as single point of contact on the day of your wedding - Direct your guests – Ensure wedding venue is left as stipulated in the venue contract.
How do you enter?
Email us your story to: vivienne@viviennetiger.com or via our contact us page on our website http://www.viviennetiger.com/. Include the date and venue for your wedding.
How many times can you enter?
Only one entry per couple.
Terms and Conditions
This offer is valid to couples planning their wedding in the West Midlands area between March 2011 – September 2012.
Entries must be submitted by no later than 23:59 on January 31st 2011.
By submitting an entry for the competition, the couple are deemed to have given consent for the entry to be published free of charge by Vivienne Tiger and for Vivienne Tiger to use their photographs in all portfolio and advertising material.
Vivienne Tiger will only ever use personal details for the purposes of administering this competition, and will not publish them or provide them to anyone without permission.
The best entry will be announced and published on 1st of February 2011. Vivienne Tiger’s decision will be final. No correspondence relating to the competition will be entered into.
The winners will be notified within 14 days of the close of the competition by email or as per the contact details provided in their entry.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Ogo and Ikenna
We had the pleasure of doing a bit of long distance planning and day of co-ordination for Ogo and Ikenna’s wedding in Maryland USA. They are such a delightful couple and we enjoyed every bit of planning and directing their wedding. The weather was lovely, it was a day before the 4th of July (Independence Day), and their guests who had come from all over the world felt the holiday spirit. A big thank you to Dotuns Photo Lounge for taking such lovely pictures.
The church was amazing, it had a lot of character.
The church was amazing, it had a lot of character.
This lovely black and white shot looks like something out of an old movie. 
The bridesmaids dresses suited them perfectly and the colour blended so well with this background. 
This picture of Ogo admiring her cake just before the reception started is endearing. The cake was stunning and each tier was a different flavour. Guests were treated to a choice of red velvet, tiramisu, chocolate raspberry and lemon. Debi's cake studio did a good job.
The ice sculpture was inspired by Ogo's dress.
The guests added colour to the day with their different colourful traditional outfits.
By the end of the evening, Ogo and Ikenna changed into something traditional too.
Thank you Ogo and Ikenna for letting us into your world and we wish you a very blessed and blissful married life.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Kate Middleton To Marry her Prince
The whole world is definitely buzzing with the news that Prince William and Kate Middleton plan to get married either in Spring or Summer of 2011. We love romance and this romance story definitely warms the heart.
Kate as a teenager had a crush on her prince and a poster of him on her wall. Dreams do come true. At Vivienne Tiger, we have been dreaming of winning the bid to plan their wedding. If our dream came true, we will design their wedding to reflect their love for the outdoors and Art History. We will transform the ceremony space (Westminster Abbey) into an enchanted garden. We wonder what type of dress she will go for and who the designer will be. For the reception space we will create an inviting Hub in the lounge area where guests can converge. The dining space will have long rectangular tables for an intimate feel. The tables will be dressed in beautiful table cloths with chargers on them, floral arrangements of varying heights and lots of candles. Lighting will be used to set the mood and to create transitions from cocktails, to reception to dancing. An eight course menu will be served....... Ok our dream hasn’t come true yet but you never know.
We wish the lovely couple a beautiful life together.
Kate as a teenager had a crush on her prince and a poster of him on her wall. Dreams do come true. At Vivienne Tiger, we have been dreaming of winning the bid to plan their wedding. If our dream came true, we will design their wedding to reflect their love for the outdoors and Art History. We will transform the ceremony space (Westminster Abbey) into an enchanted garden. We wonder what type of dress she will go for and who the designer will be. For the reception space we will create an inviting Hub in the lounge area where guests can converge. The dining space will have long rectangular tables for an intimate feel. The tables will be dressed in beautiful table cloths with chargers on them, floral arrangements of varying heights and lots of candles. Lighting will be used to set the mood and to create transitions from cocktails, to reception to dancing. An eight course menu will be served....... Ok our dream hasn’t come true yet but you never know.
We wish the lovely couple a beautiful life together.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Didi and Chinedu
We at Vivienne Tiger are always up for a challenge but we got a lot more than we bargained for when we met Didi and Chinedu. They were a lovely couple so in love with each other getting married in six weeks time on a strict budget. All they had booked was the reception venue, the church and their outfits. Our initial instinct was to decline it but like I said we are always up for a challenge and they were such a lovely couple, it was difficult to say no to them. I am very glad we did, the look on their faces when they saw the venue, was well worth six weeks of hard work.
They wanted an intimate and romantic wedding where their guests will share the love they felt for each other.
Even though it was September and had rained the night before, the sun came out for Didi and Chinedu. It was a beautiful day.
We had to create a romantic evening feel to their noon time reception with lots of candles and mood lighting.
Thank you Didi and Chinedu for allowing us to be part of your day and we wish you a blessed and blissful life together.
They wanted an intimate and romantic wedding where their guests will share the love they felt for each other.
Even though it was September and had rained the night before, the sun came out for Didi and Chinedu. It was a beautiful day.
We had to create a romantic evening feel to their noon time reception with lots of candles and mood lighting.
Thank you Didi and Chinedu for allowing us to be part of your day and we wish you a blessed and blissful life together.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Getting Married in a Recession
Some social analysts believe that marriage is recession proof and that engaged couples will get married economic recession or not. Marriage itself might be recession proof, but the cost of getting married is not. With the current economic crisis, a lot of my clients want to know how they can cut down their wedding budget and still have the wedding of their dream. I have written below 10 ways to save on your wedding budget:
1) Get married during the week. Venues such as hotels tend to offer a cheaper rate during the week (Monday – Thursday) than the weekend (Friday – Sunday). Note that most hotels offer a cheaper rate for a Sunday event compared to a Friday evening or Saturday event.
2) Choose decor that are easily available with the season of your event.
3) Reduce your floral decor by using lots of candles of varying heights.
4) Serve nibbles like nuts, crisps, sweets rather than canapés during cocktail hour.
5) Limit the options of drinks. For example you can serve only 2 alcoholic drinks or a choice of sparkling wine and sparkling juice etc.
6) You can choose to have fruit punches in drink dispensers or jugs on the table where your guests can help themselves therefore saving money on waiting staff.
7) Ask your suppliers for discounts. With the current economic environment, florists, caterers, photographers and venues, for example may be willing to charge less to get the job.
8) Serve your wedding cake as dessert
9) Rather than a sit down meal, offer a buffet style service. You will be saving money on waiting staff.
10) If you prefer a sit down meal, serve one type of dish to all your guests, make sure you ask what the vegetarian option is.
1) Get married during the week. Venues such as hotels tend to offer a cheaper rate during the week (Monday – Thursday) than the weekend (Friday – Sunday). Note that most hotels offer a cheaper rate for a Sunday event compared to a Friday evening or Saturday event.
2) Choose decor that are easily available with the season of your event.
3) Reduce your floral decor by using lots of candles of varying heights.
4) Serve nibbles like nuts, crisps, sweets rather than canapés during cocktail hour.
5) Limit the options of drinks. For example you can serve only 2 alcoholic drinks or a choice of sparkling wine and sparkling juice etc.
6) You can choose to have fruit punches in drink dispensers or jugs on the table where your guests can help themselves therefore saving money on waiting staff.
7) Ask your suppliers for discounts. With the current economic environment, florists, caterers, photographers and venues, for example may be willing to charge less to get the job.
8) Serve your wedding cake as dessert
9) Rather than a sit down meal, offer a buffet style service. You will be saving money on waiting staff.
10) If you prefer a sit down meal, serve one type of dish to all your guests, make sure you ask what the vegetarian option is.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Choosing your Photographer
You have worked so hard planning your event, and paying attention to details. The mood/ambience is perfect, the décor is just as you envisioned it should be, your guests are having a fantastic time and the day is everything you wanted it to be. Once your event is over and your pictures are ready to be proofed, you realise that your photographer has not captured the ambience, mood or decor of your event as well as you would have liked/expected.
One of the most important people you will hire for your event is the photographer. A good photographer will capture the story of your day and provide everlasting memories. With so many photographers to choose from, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. When deciding on the right photographer for you, your budget, personality and style should be key factors when making your decision. It is very important that you interview a number of photographers (at least a minimum of 3) before deciding on the right photographer for you.
A good place to start your search is through personal recommendations from friends and family (as their views and opinions will be more closely aligned with yours). Ask your friends/family if you can take a look at pictures taken by the photographer to get a sense of the photographer’s style. It is also important to find out from your friends/family what the photographer’s personality was like, and if they were able to have a good rapport with the photographer. Friends/family would also provide you with a guide of the photographer’s price range, enabling you to assess whether their costs are within your budget.
If you have an event planner, ask them to recommend a number of photographers. Event planners have trusted people that they work very well with. Your planner will need to understand your budget and style to be able to recommend suitable photographers. If you are not using the services of an event planner, you can ask your event co-ordinator for a list of photographers they have worked with in the past. The photographer may have recent pictures of an event that took place at your chosen venue, providing you with the opportunity to see how your event may look.
Another great place to search for photographer is the internet. You can look through different photo galleries on their website to get a feel of the photographer’s style and personality.
Once you have short-listed the photographers you would like to meet with, give them a call in the first instant (if possible). The phone conversation will give you a clearer view of what their price range is and if they are available on the day of your event. This process will help whittle down the photographers further, limiting it to those that meet your needs. Below are some of the key questions you should ask when you meet with a photographer:
Will the person you are meeting with and whose work you have seen, be the person who will cover your event?
Is there an X number of hours for which they contract or are they available until the cake cutting or first dance if for a wedding or for the whole day? A typical day can range from 8 – 10 hours of work.
What is included in your photo session?
What style of photography do they offer e.g. Traditional, Artistic, Reportage, a mix of styles etc?
Do they offer an online proofing or proof album
What are their travel fees, if applicable?
What is their backup plan in case they fall ill or cannot do the work for any other reason?
What is their cancellation policy in the unlikely event you need to postpone or cancel your event?
What is the cost for exceeding the contracted time?
At the end of the respective interviews, you should be able to decide which photographer meets your requirements. Budget, and style are all important considerations, but personality should be top of the list. It is important that you feel comfortable with your photographer, as you will be in direct contact with him/her during and after your event. Pick an experienced, seasoned photographer who instils you with confidence, and whose quality of work and portfolio is detailed and is in line with your personal style.
Finally before you sign the contract, make sure everything you have discussed and agreed upon has been included in the contract.
Monday, August 2, 2010
No more Cookie Cutter Events Please
We strive very hard at Vivienne Tiger to do things differently. We do not claim to be better; we just want to be able to offer a different type of creative service. It is always a bit depressing to me when I attend an event (corporate, wedding, party etc), and come out feeling as if I have attended this event before but hosted by a different host/hostess or organisation.
Your event should reflect your style and individuality and should be different from any other events your guests have or will attend. Include personal touches that are unique to you. For a wedding, your love story can be incorporated into your theme. Table names can be places you have been together; or create a nice cosy area with pictures of the different places you have been together (this is a good conversation starter). For a party, the theme can incorporate elements of your hobby etc. When planning your event, think of where it is taking place, the mood/experience you want your guests to have, and what your guests are going to eat and drink. You can have personalised cocktails to go with your event.
You should also dictate the ambience of your venue. Do not feel obligated to use the chairs and tables that come with your venue. Chairs and tables can be rented from party rental companies. If you want to use chair covers, trendy chair covers can be used instead of white covers with sashes. Your tables can be a mix of round, square and rectangle tables to add an eclectic feel to your event. A mix of bistro tables and lounge sofas can be used to create a cosy atmosphere during cocktails. Put a lot of thought on how you want to dress your tables, the linen you want to use, chinaware and flatware, napkins and chargers. These all add elegance to a table.
Depending on how your food is going to be served, presenting the food in a creative way can also add style to your event. If a buffet, the food stations can be decorated with a lovely flower arrangement and candles to draw attention to it. If a plated service, a good caterer/chef will always present the food in an artistic way.
Your cake table or desert table should also make a statement of its own. The cake table should be decorated nicely and placed in a strategic position where your guests can see it. If you are having a desert table, the deserts should be arranged in such a way that it draws attention. Personalised boxes can be arranged next to it for your guests to fill up and take home as favours.
You do not have to break the bank to achieve a unique and unforgettable event. A little creativity is all you need to make your event different and ‘Wow’ your guests.
Your event should reflect your style and individuality and should be different from any other events your guests have or will attend. Include personal touches that are unique to you. For a wedding, your love story can be incorporated into your theme. Table names can be places you have been together; or create a nice cosy area with pictures of the different places you have been together (this is a good conversation starter). For a party, the theme can incorporate elements of your hobby etc. When planning your event, think of where it is taking place, the mood/experience you want your guests to have, and what your guests are going to eat and drink. You can have personalised cocktails to go with your event.
You should also dictate the ambience of your venue. Do not feel obligated to use the chairs and tables that come with your venue. Chairs and tables can be rented from party rental companies. If you want to use chair covers, trendy chair covers can be used instead of white covers with sashes. Your tables can be a mix of round, square and rectangle tables to add an eclectic feel to your event. A mix of bistro tables and lounge sofas can be used to create a cosy atmosphere during cocktails. Put a lot of thought on how you want to dress your tables, the linen you want to use, chinaware and flatware, napkins and chargers. These all add elegance to a table.
Depending on how your food is going to be served, presenting the food in a creative way can also add style to your event. If a buffet, the food stations can be decorated with a lovely flower arrangement and candles to draw attention to it. If a plated service, a good caterer/chef will always present the food in an artistic way.
Your cake table or desert table should also make a statement of its own. The cake table should be decorated nicely and placed in a strategic position where your guests can see it. If you are having a desert table, the deserts should be arranged in such a way that it draws attention. Personalised boxes can be arranged next to it for your guests to fill up and take home as favours.
You do not have to break the bank to achieve a unique and unforgettable event. A little creativity is all you need to make your event different and ‘Wow’ your guests.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Destination Hen Weekend
Aside from my passion for designing and planning extraordinary events (I guess that is why I am in the events industry), my second passion is travelling. I love travelling to exotic countries, learning about different cultures and of course trying out exotic food. Over the past few weeks, I have had a busy travel schedule. I flew off to Dubai for a 3-day business trip and I have recently come back from the US East Coast where I co-ordinated a wedding (more of that to follow soon).
I loved everything about Dubai. The weather was very hot – which may not be ideal for some people- but I have always loved the heat so I had no complaints. The architecture was amazing. There are lots of different architectural styles to see. Some of the finest and most luxurious hotels in the world are located in Dubai and quite a lot of them are located right on the beachfront.
I get a lot of inspirations and ideas from my travels, and I was greatly inspired in Dubai. It is no surprise that there has been a rise in the trend of Dubai destination weddings. From dress designers, to tuxedo rentals, breath taking venues and lovely beach hotels, couples are spoilt for choice in this modern city.
I personally think it is a fantastic city for a weekend Hen getaway. There are loads to do to make it a fun filled weekend for the bride and her friends. The shopping malls offer some of the best retail outlets in the world, with a combination of British and American stores, I felt like a kid let loose in a candy store. Imagine an afternoon of shopping with your friends and a day of pampering and indulgence at one of the luxurious spas. If I had to plan a hen weekend in Dubai, this is what my timetable will look like:
Weekend Hen Party:
Fly out Thursday night (Emirates have late flights from Heathrow and Birmingham) to get in Friday morning.
Friday
Go to the hotel and drop off bags: When making your reservations try to negotiate an early check in with no extra charge if possible.
Freshen up then hit the malls to start your day of shopping. (To make it even more fun, put a time limit on shopping time i.e. say 11am – 5pm, and anyone that isn’t back by the designated time will have to pay for drinks :o)…
Head back to your hotel for a nice afternoon snooze.
Enjoy a lovely dinner in one of the numerous restaurants or in the hotel where you are staying. Be sure to tell them when making your dinner reservations that it is for a hen night. Many hotels are happy to work with your theme.
If you and your party are still rearing to go, you can end the day at one of the multitude of bars and nightclubs.
Saturday
Wake up late and have a late breakfast.
Head out to the spa for a morning of pampering and indulgence
Meet at the reception lobby for an evening desert safari. This is a 6-hour long duration and it includes dinner.
A truly rare experience waits while you watch the sunset over the horizon; depart in the afternoon in four-wheel drive vehicles for a thrilling desert drive through huge golden sand dunes, deep into the heart of the desert. A photo halt at a camel farm and the fabulous view of the sun setting over the desert dunes are some of the memories you will cherish from the desert drive.
Arrive at the desert camp, where a traditional Arabian welcome awaits each of you. Enjoy the true Arabian ambiance, with traditional Arabian carpets, low tables and cushions for comfortable seating.
At the desert camp, experience the camel ride, henna painting, try Arabic costumes or simply enjoy the aromatic Sheesha. Enjoy the splendid buffet dinner with a wide variety of barbecue meats, salads, main-course and deserts. The climax of the evening is the stunning performance under the star-lit sky by the exotic belly dancer.
A dessert safari can be arranged through Dessert Safari Dubai (http://www.desertsafaridubai.com/) or any other dessert tour company.
Sunday
Fly back home exhausted but well worth it :o)…
Note: The price of a short weekend in Dubai will depend on how early you book your tickets and the time of travel. If going during the off peak season, you will be looking to spend for the entire weekend in the region of £500 - £800. Off peak will be a lot more.
Peak Season: October – April
Off Peak Season: May – September (the weather is hot and humid during these months)
Also when planning your trip, you should consider Ramadan.
I loved everything about Dubai. The weather was very hot – which may not be ideal for some people- but I have always loved the heat so I had no complaints. The architecture was amazing. There are lots of different architectural styles to see. Some of the finest and most luxurious hotels in the world are located in Dubai and quite a lot of them are located right on the beachfront.
I get a lot of inspirations and ideas from my travels, and I was greatly inspired in Dubai. It is no surprise that there has been a rise in the trend of Dubai destination weddings. From dress designers, to tuxedo rentals, breath taking venues and lovely beach hotels, couples are spoilt for choice in this modern city.
I personally think it is a fantastic city for a weekend Hen getaway. There are loads to do to make it a fun filled weekend for the bride and her friends. The shopping malls offer some of the best retail outlets in the world, with a combination of British and American stores, I felt like a kid let loose in a candy store. Imagine an afternoon of shopping with your friends and a day of pampering and indulgence at one of the luxurious spas. If I had to plan a hen weekend in Dubai, this is what my timetable will look like:
Weekend Hen Party:
Fly out Thursday night (Emirates have late flights from Heathrow and Birmingham) to get in Friday morning.
Friday
Go to the hotel and drop off bags: When making your reservations try to negotiate an early check in with no extra charge if possible.
Freshen up then hit the malls to start your day of shopping. (To make it even more fun, put a time limit on shopping time i.e. say 11am – 5pm, and anyone that isn’t back by the designated time will have to pay for drinks :o)…
Head back to your hotel for a nice afternoon snooze.
Enjoy a lovely dinner in one of the numerous restaurants or in the hotel where you are staying. Be sure to tell them when making your dinner reservations that it is for a hen night. Many hotels are happy to work with your theme.
If you and your party are still rearing to go, you can end the day at one of the multitude of bars and nightclubs.
Saturday
Wake up late and have a late breakfast.
Head out to the spa for a morning of pampering and indulgence
Meet at the reception lobby for an evening desert safari. This is a 6-hour long duration and it includes dinner.
A truly rare experience waits while you watch the sunset over the horizon; depart in the afternoon in four-wheel drive vehicles for a thrilling desert drive through huge golden sand dunes, deep into the heart of the desert. A photo halt at a camel farm and the fabulous view of the sun setting over the desert dunes are some of the memories you will cherish from the desert drive.
Arrive at the desert camp, where a traditional Arabian welcome awaits each of you. Enjoy the true Arabian ambiance, with traditional Arabian carpets, low tables and cushions for comfortable seating.
At the desert camp, experience the camel ride, henna painting, try Arabic costumes or simply enjoy the aromatic Sheesha. Enjoy the splendid buffet dinner with a wide variety of barbecue meats, salads, main-course and deserts. The climax of the evening is the stunning performance under the star-lit sky by the exotic belly dancer.
A dessert safari can be arranged through Dessert Safari Dubai (http://www.desertsafaridubai.com/) or any other dessert tour company.
Sunday
Fly back home exhausted but well worth it :o)…
Note: The price of a short weekend in Dubai will depend on how early you book your tickets and the time of travel. If going during the off peak season, you will be looking to spend for the entire weekend in the region of £500 - £800. Off peak will be a lot more.
Peak Season: October – April
Off Peak Season: May – September (the weather is hot and humid during these months)
Also when planning your trip, you should consider Ramadan.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Orton Garden Open House
Here at Vivienne Tiger, we strongly believe in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and are always looking for ways of doing things differently, to keep up with new trends, to maintain, improve and broaden our knowledge and skills and develop the personal qualities required in our professional lives.
In February 2010, I had the pleasure to attend a 5 day Event Design Workshop in Wilmington North Carolina with another Event planner Ify Oti from Hannah Michael. The wonderful Jennifer Sandy Rose of Salt Harbor Design ran the workshop.
The experience was mind blowing. We met a lot of amazing people all willing to help and show us new ways of doing things. We were given an opportunity to fully participate in the design and brainstorming for the Orton Garden Open House and see the design implemented.
In February 2010, I had the pleasure to attend a 5 day Event Design Workshop in Wilmington North Carolina with another Event planner Ify Oti from Hannah Michael. The wonderful Jennifer Sandy Rose of Salt Harbor Design ran the workshop.
The experience was mind blowing. We met a lot of amazing people all willing to help and show us new ways of doing things. We were given an opportunity to fully participate in the design and brainstorming for the Orton Garden Open House and see the design implemented.
Orton Gardens is a historic landscape designed around the 1735 mansion and colonial rice fields overlooking the Cape Fear River. It contains 20 acres of lawns and formal gardens, as well as 60 acres of fountains, statues, forests, lagoons, old rice fields, and a family cemetery. The garden features tree-lined brick paths and rows of camellias, dogwoods, magnolias, crape-myrtles, annuals, and perennials. The front gates of the property are topped with cement eagles which lead to a dirt path driveway lined with large oak trees draped in Spanish moss that were planted in the 1700s.
Before the actual workshop in Wilmington, we worked together via emails and the internet to develop a design for the Orton Garden Open House. We worked and agreed on a storyboard and created a computerized layout of the ceremony and reception spaces.
When we arrived in Wilmington for the actual workshop, we helped to choose the paper design, colours, flowers and lighting that worked best with our chosen design. I thoroughly enjoyed preparing the flowers and flower arrangements, working on menu cards and escort cards used in the final design.
It was delightful seeing another Event planner at work and I picked up a lot of new management and planning skills. The setting up of the Orton site was very exciting. The weather was lovely and definitely not as cold as England. As always, it was a joy to see all the months of design and planning coming together. We had the opportunity to talk to many other Event professionals from other Event Planners, caterers, photographers, to bakers and bartenders. Millie Holloman of Millie Holloman Photography and her staff took loads of lovely photographs.
5 days went so fast and I came back armed with a lot of knowledge and my creative juices flowing with different ways of providing a design and planning service that is distinct, for my existing and future clients.
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