‘Tis the season for events, soirées, and parties galore…
And from parties to weddings and a little bit of everything in between, we’ve received quite a few requests for more inspiration, from you guys.
‘Tis also the season for overwhelmption. {It’s a word. Google says so.} Because keeping’ it real… all of this can be a little stressful when there’s a lot on our plates. Whether it’s an event right now, or a few things you may have coming up for the new year, we’re super thrilled to share a little bit of party savvy with you guys today.
We figured it was time to bring in an expert. Enter (stage right: to save my pitiful, furled remnants of a frazzled social life) Natalie Bradley. Quite the knowledgable veteran, and owner of Natalie Bradley Events, in Athens, Georgia. You’re going to love her.
She’s an inspiring resource on all things amazing, and we were thrilled to be able to share a few tips and tricks via Q + A… with some sage advice along with some pretty inspiration/beautiful eye candy.
Let’s face it: we all love the eye candy. So without further ado… enjoy!
Because we’re always fascinated with the how and why: How did you get your start in event planning?
I actually got my start while I was a student at the University of Georgia. I was sort of lost in a major I didn’t want to pursue, but honestly didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. So I started volunteering at a local non-profit and literally stumbled into event planning, discovered you could actually make a career out of it, and I threw myself into the industry getting as much experience as possible. In 2003, when I was only 22, I went out on my own and started my full service event planning and design company, and have been doing this ever since!
What is your favorite part about what you do?
Creative freedom. I love inspiring clients with photo shoots and fresh ideas, but I equally love our variety of clients from all over the world who come to us with ideas and inspiration, but just need help translating their vision into a reality for them. That never gets old!
I don’t think I have a favorite event honestly. I can think of why I love each so much. If I had to choose one though, I’d have to say weddings simply because it’s such a huge life event and I truly feel honored to be a part of such a beautiful and sacred time in people’s lives and witness everything come together. I cry at every wedding still. The culmination of all our hard work alongside the couple and their families coming together on that one day is always so moving for me (and all of us)!
What advice would you give to someone planning a holiday event for this season?
Give yourself time to pull it all together. Think like a professional. Prep time is essential no matter the event. Even if I’m planning something small at my own home, I start weeks in advance on as many small details as possible, so that I can enjoy my party with our guests. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Any advice for someone planning a wedding?
Stay true to who you are as individuals and as a couple. Too many people get sucked into what you “should” do instead of what you want to do. Again, give yourself time, breathe and follow your heart with every single decision. Get inspired with Pinterest and other media, but then get focused and choose a few details and your underlying theme, or brand, for your wedding. Otherwise, you’ll have too many great ideas that are all over the place and don’t flow well.
What trends do you see on the horizon?
Smaller events are still trending no matter the occasion. It gives you more money to work with, more freedom and more options in terms of venues and getting what you want instead of sacrificing for the sake of inviting the entire town. We’re seeing people getting more and more comfortable creating weddings and events around their own style, hobbies and interests, which is SO fabulous!! Blogs, pinterest and inspiration all over the virtual world has really opened up the ideas to be endless.
Any major don’ts in the party faux pas?
As far as design and style goes, I always caution any host on being too trendy, because your event will look dated sometimes only 6 months from now, and you’ll be disappointed. Also, the biggest faux pas we’re still seeing is a total disregard for etiquette in some cases and also not considering your guests’ ease and understanding of what you’re doing. If you don’t look at the event from your guests’ point of view, I can guarantee you will not be happy with the outcome. Yes, create the event around you, but also always as a gracious host or hostess, consider your guests’ comfort and how they will also experience your wedding or special event.
What’s the best or funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at an event?
I can’t think of the funniest thing, but the best is always watching our clients experience or see their event for the first time. It can be very emotional sometimes as they see everything they’ve been dreaming about come together all at once. That makes everything perfect to me.
A lot of our readership loves to DIY. We heard you’re about to launch a line of products for DIY brides and hosts in January. Can you tell us a little more about what that will be?
We’re so excited to launch this DIY line for weddings and southern soirées in January!! We will be creating beautiful e-magazines packed full of ideas for all of life’s occasions, including Valentine’s, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation and so on in addition to detailed how-to’s on creating custom details for weddings as well as wedding related events and non-wedding events alike!
We will also have done-for-you details for those DIY-ers who either get overwhelmed or have simply run out of time, and would rather purchase custom event items already completed!
If you sign up for our exclusive offers on our blog, or follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram, you’ll be the first to know when we’re ready to roll this line out next month!
That sounds awesome – I’m totally staying tuned for that one – it’s going to be amazing!
Isn’t she fabulous? Thank you so much for being with us today, Natalie! – And for sharing some of these gorgeous events with us! We can’t wait to see what you create next. I’m kind of your latest stalker.
What are you guys planning for the season? Anyone out there a bride-to-be or a part of a wedding coming up? This would be the perfect thing to stay tuned to. We’d love to hear- Keep us posted so we know what to include more of!
Have an inspired day, y’all!
Natalie Bradley says
Thank you so much for sharing our events and companies with your readers!!
Maggie Reyes says
Oh my gosh! I loooooove those lanterns! Makes me want to through a lantern party for no reason!
Great tips and the pictures are so beautiful. Totally inspired.
Erin @ House Envy says
beautiful pictures and great interview!
Cumby says
WoW! A pictorial gallery of beautiful events that set the bar on the event planning and design in our world! Natalie Bradley is the best and most creative event planner in the industry! She makes dreams a reality and then, a beautiful memory. Fabulous!
#eventplanninganddesign #creativeevents #fabulousideashere
Pamela Perry says
Love the article! Beautiful ideas! Hope to see more!
Amanda Perry says
I love her so much! Natalie is one of the most talented and inspiring people you will ever meet!
Jennifer Timmons says
This blog 100% captured Natalie! Fabulous article and beautiful pictures!! I can’t wait to see the new DIY line in January!!
Jenna says
What great inspiration in just one post! Love it. Thanks for sharing her today-off to check her out! 🙂
Cari Vollmer says
I ADORE every single thing Natalie creates! I can’t wait to see the fabulous photos of all her events! As I look at the above images I realize again how special Natalie is… how truly gifted she is at creating beautiful, full of style events, that are also deeply meaningful. Beauty and heart… that’s Natalie!
Debbie Jacobs says
Natalie, You always amaze me at the extreme amount of talent you have. I know where that gene came from, but you have stretched and worked with it to create a fabulous business and you can truly tell you LOVE what you do! You have done so many exceptional events and they all have an unique and personal feel to each one. What an inspiration you are. I know you have a mighty proud Mother!
Merry, Merry to you and all your family this Christmas and New Year!
Tania says
I adore those wooden plate chargers and lanterns! I need!!!