Other than traveling for destination weddings and networking events, my last three weeks have been spent selecting BEAUTIFUL linens from my favorite rental companies, Linen Effects and Aarcee Classic Events. Russ Mohr of Linen Effects and Allison Munsell of Aarcee never cease to amaze me with their eye, taste and knack for pulling together fabulous looks even without the benefit of being at the venue or seeing the centerpieces.
Because I work with many brides who want specialty linens and personalized decor, I see a wide-range of selections and looks but no two are ever alike. Even with the bride whose colors may center around brown and lime green, or vivid orange and eggplant, the looks created by Russ and Allison are completely unique to that bride.
I'm always excited to attend linen selection appointments and so to better prepare yourself for such appointments, I have my cheatsheet on how to do your homework before selecting linens.
1. If possible, obtain a room diagram of your venue showing table size, quantity and placement. This will help to quantify linen needs and color schemes if using more than one type of linen.
2. Know your budget. The average specialty linen rents for $35 excluding delivery, tax and installation.
3. Bring photos or magazines showing colors and looks you like.
4. Bring fabric or ribbon samples if you are set on specific shades of "insert color here"
5. Bring your florists proposal. This will help the designers to coordinate or contrast the looks.
6. Bring your camera...chances are your fiance will not care enough about linens to attend the appointment, but he will care enough to want to see photos.
7. Speaking of an entourage, don't bring them. The more groupies you have, the more opinons you get...afterall isn't that why they're there in the first place? Bring mom, future mom or maid of honor but leave the rest at home. Surprise them on the wedding day.
8. Ask for fabric swatches. Most companies readily supply samples which you can bring to your next floral appointment.
9. Don't be rushed. Allow at least an hour to look at the various selections and samples provided. One or two will jump out at you and the rest wil quietly fade into the woodwork.
10. Finally, savor the moment - the hard part is done.
Comments