Glamping Party Planning.... The beginning

We at Over the Top Weddings and Events hope that all of you had a very Merry Christmas! We all did and are still playing with our kiddos and recovering from the madness. Now that the Christmas rush is over, it is time for me to focus my attention to Annaleise's 7th birthday party! For all of you parents of little ones with January birthdays, you feel my pain here. About the time that we are able to catch our breath from Christmas, we have to go into full on party planning mode. For me, I stay in that mode due to the career path I chose, but it is different when it is your own event, I promise! I usually try to begin my planning mid-summer (I know, I know! It's the event planner in me!), but in between finishing up grad school in 16 months (graduation just happened on December 14! Whew!) as well as running my business- both the wedding and event side and our new stationery side, and the holidays that seemed to sneak up on me this year, I am running a bit later than normal. But, back to the matter at hand- the impending birthday party! Just like every year, I am so (so, so, so, so, so) excited about the theme! This year, we will be Glamping! What better theme for 6 and 7 year old girls?! I have a vision of a huge slumber party that involves hair, make-up, s'mores, a hay ride, tents, and lots of giggling and fun. I will be posting over the next few weeks to take you all step by step through my planning for this party. The main components are already taken care of- date, time, and theme. Moreover, I have already designed the invitation (preview below), which almost always sets the color scheme for my events. I also have the perfect venue booked, but more on that later!

At this point, I think we will be inviting about 35 girls. A good rule of thumb is around half will show up. I typically plan for about 75% because people are not the best at RSVPing and siblings tend to get added in, especially at a co-ed party. Last year at the Carnival party, my philosophy was the more the merrier. This year... not so much. Notice that I gave a deadline on RSVPing on the invitation. I do this a lot on my own events because I usually include personalized elements. Sometimes this helps, sometimes it doesn't. But it doesn't hurt to add it on there. This year, I have a lot of great ideas, many of them personalized, and my head count matters. I'm afraid I will be "that mom" that sends texts, emails, or makes a quick phone call to try to get a close as possible at least a week before the party. 

First up is one part of the favors! As I have stated many times, the favors are probably my most favorite part of a party. I love to have a memento to take home with me to remember a grand event, but I also love one that is either theme oriented or functional. This time, I am striving for both. I am (attempting) to make each girl their own A-frame tent as part of their favor. These tents will be made in a variety of fabrics that match the color scheme, as well as provide decoration at the party. They will be set up prior to arrival and will be the perfect size for each girl to unroll their sleeping bag inside of to sleep in as the night winds down. It will also serve as something fun to take home to play in and "camp" at home. I am planning to begin these tomorrow, so watch for my next post with pictures to see how they turn out and how easy (I hope!!) they are to make!

I also plan to take you through other elements of planning as well. Other favors, selection of other party elements, and all the fun things that will make this glamping party take shape and come together. I have a massive checklist and less than a month to complete it all. Please wish me luck and plenty of sleep filled nights! Or at least lots of caffeine!

XO,

Brittany

Backyard BBQ Engagement Party

This engagement party was thrown for one of the coaches at Crossfit Eastern Shore and his bride-to-be.  It was a co-ed engagement party with a backyard BBQ theme. BBQ with a nacho bar was served and mason jars with personalized koozies were given as functional favors to the guests.

Venue- Crossfit Eastern Shore, Daphne, AL
Catering- Moe's BBQ, Daphne, AL
Lighting- Southern Sounds, Daphne, AL
Rentals- Port City Rentals, Mobile, AL
Flowers- Fresh Market, Daphne, AL
Koozies- Alter Ego Screen Printing, Fairhope, AL

Baker Halloween Spooktacular

We had so much fun with this party! It was a Halloween party thrown for the Baker's children and their friends, ranging in ages from 10-13. While the idea was to be spooky without being super scary, it was a fun decorating project for us. Lots of ravens, pumpkins, and skulls were the inspiration. The party included pumpkin bowling, a bonfire, and a hayride.

Venue and Catering- The Lodge at Oak Hollow, Fairhope, AL
Photo Booth- Magic Memories, Mobile, AL

Positive Changes are Happening!

Here at Over the Top Weddings and Events, we have some very exciting changes taking places! Not only have we added custom stationery to our company, but we have launched a new website! We will continue to update this blog with our events and other information, but will we also begin to add insider tips, trends, and tricks for wedding and event planning. Additionally, our new website will combine our events and stationery into one place. So, here is an easy break down on where to find what you are looking for:

• Our new website: www.overthetopfairhope.com- 
• This site will have all of our wedding and event information and packages, as well our our event portfolio photos. It will also have our stationery with printing prices, which is available for local pickup or shipping. At some point in the (hopefully near) future, we will add a digital file option should a customer want to print their own. 
• We are trying our best to upload stationery to this site as quickly as possible. If there is something you want that is not posted, please contact us. We also create custom orders.
• Our blog: http://ottevents.blogspot.com-
• This blog will have all of our wedding and event information and packages, as well as our portfolio photos. We will begin to add tips and tricks to event planning and trends. There will be links to our website and Etsy page on our blog.
• Our Etsy page: www.etsy.com/shop/overthetopextras-
• Currently, our Etsy page has stationery available in the form of digital files only for you to print yourself or take to a copy shop to print. At some point in the (hopefully near) future, we will add a printing option, but presently, this page focuses only on digital stationery files. 
• Once we complete the "construction" process of our new website, the files on our website will be identical to the files on our Etsy page. The only difference (for a time) may be use printing the product for you (our website) vs. you purchasing the digital file (Etsy). 

Of course, we are more than happy to answer any questions or help direct you to make sure you find exactly what you are looking for! Please email us (ottweddingsandevents@gmail.com) or call (251.786.0597) and we are happy to assist you.

We are very excited about what lies ahead for us and look forward to better serving our customers in the future.

Laura's Baby Shower

Location- Private Residence, Daphne, AL
Cake- Couture Cakes, Daphne, AL
Paper Products (Invitations, Favor tags, banner)- Over the Top Extras, Fairhope, AL

Favorite Things Party- The Perfect Girls Night In!

Alright, y'all.... This has been one of my favorite parties of all time. I have attached the photos from it and I hope you can tell how much fun we had!
Here is how it works: Each person picks their favorite things that is $6 or under. Once the item is chosen, each person brings 5 to exchange. Upon arrival, you add your name to the martini glass 5 times. Then someone starts by telling why they chose the item they did, as well as draws 5 names for those people to receive the item. The last person to be drawn goes next and so on.
We had a blast!! This party will definitely be repeated!!

Exciting News!!

Hello Everyone,

I am very excited to announce that Over the Top Weddings and Events has now expanded to paper party goodies! Please check out our shop on Etsy. We are adding new things each day and are happy to accept custom orders. Most items are digital, which allows you the freedom to print where ever and how ever many you want!

I have made no secret that my favorite thing at a party/event is the favor, so of course we have favor tags, invitations, water bottle labels, thank you notes, etc. Please check us out, tell a friend, and give us a holler if we can create something just for you!!

Love,
The Over the Top Team

Sarah and Tim

Ceremony- St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Mobile, AL
Reception and Catering- The Country Club of Mobile, Mobile, AL
Photographer- Jeff Tesney Photography, Mobile, AL
Entertainment- Musical Fantasy, Mobile, AL
Florist- Ron Barrett, Zimlich Bros., Mobile, AL
Bakery- Rose Pollman, Mobile, AL
Lighting- Showbiz Theatrical Services, Mobile, AL
Rentals- Port City Rentals, Mobile, AL
Photo Booth- Snaps Photo Booth, Mobile, AL
Transportation- Gulf Coast Tours, Mobile, AL

Under the Big Top Carnival Party

Location- Private Residence, Fairhope, AL
Rentals-
     Bounce House, Tables, Chairs, Linens, Food Supplies- Gulf Coast Party Rentals, Daphne, AL
     Other (Concessions, red/white tables, ticket booth, etc)- Over the Top Events, Fairhope, AL