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June 7, 2010 by Carey Sue Vega
 Have you ever found yourself at a formal social or business event and not really sure which fork is which, what was the right thing to wear, or even if it was okay to bring a guest with you? There’s no reason to feel uncomfortable. Proper etiquette is a tool anyone can and should learn….even young children.
Hello, my name is Carey Sue Vega, and I’m an Etiquette Expert. After receiving my degree in Recreation from OSU (yes, there really is such a degree), I worked for a major cruise line as Youth Coordinator and then Cruise Director. As the host for Captain’s parties and VIP events, I realized that many of the passengers were not familiar with proper etiquette in  a formal social setting. After all, few people sit down to a formal dinner on a regular basis. I realized that I could help educate people on etiquette, so that they feel more comfortable in a formal setting.
As an Etiquette Expert, I offer a series of classes at various venues in Oklahoma City and Edmond for children (fifth grade through high school), college students and adults.
 Students learn proper posture, eye contact, how to shake hands and make proper introductions, among other topics. The younger students have challenge assignments they take home to implement skills learned in class. By working on the assignments at home, they see firsthand how putting the skills into place, they receive positive feedback and reinforcement.
In our adult classes, we review proper etiquette for social and business occasions. Topics include party planning, table etiquette, silverware and settings, passing food,
“gentlemen” manners, as well as mixing and mingling tips. We also discuss the proper way to write, send and respond to invitations. We answer questions like, “When is it alright to bring children?”, “How should I dress?”, “What are the rule s in a business setting”, and even, “Is it proper for a lady to wear a hat after dark?”
If you would like your child to learn proper manners, or if you would like to brush up on your social or business etiquette, please give me a call or check out my blog at, www.careysuevega.com to learn about upcoming classes.
Carey Sue Vega
Etiquette Expert
405-721-1467
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April 6, 2010 by Rhonda Davis
 Hello, my name is Rhonda Davis, the owner of Moliere Bridal in Oklahoma City. Although my degree and background was originally in accounting, I always had the dream of one day being in a retail setting – especially one that was service oriented. Plus, I was fascinated with every aspect of weddings, particularly because it is such a service-oriented industry.
In September of 2009, I purchased Moliere Bridal which had been in business with a wonderful reputation for 18 years. I purchased the exquisite inventory and kept the wonderful staff, including the manager, consultants and seamstress who  is truly a master of her art.
Moliere Bridal specializes in wedding gowns, but we also offer, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, tuxedos, shoes, jewelry, headpieces and veils. We have one of the largest selection of wedding gowns in the state. Of our six designers, we are the only Oklahoma retail bridal shop to carry five of those lines. – you’ll find them no where else in the state but Moliere and no two gowns are alike. Because of our special order experience, we are extremely knowledgeable about taking measurements for dress sizes 0 to 28.
At Moliere Bridal, we pride ourselves on our exceptional service throughout the process from selection to fitting and final fitting. Moliere is one of very few area members of the National Bridal Service, an organization which specially trains all our consultants.
Another service we offer is gown preservation. After your wedding, we will assist you in preserving your gown as a cherished heirloom or perhaps for other generations of family brides. Your gown is cleaned and preserved in an acid free environment – beautifully displayed in a white, windowed box.
Remember that few decisions are as important as the style, fit and care of your perfect wedding gown. Please visit Moliere Bridal and discover the special order – special service option that will definitely “turn heads” at your wedding.
  Rhonda Davis, Owner
Moliere Bridal
6401 N. W. Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73132
(new location as of May 1, 2010)
800 N. W. 50th
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
405-728-0485
molierebridal@sbcglobal.net
www.molierebridal.com
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by Michael Cook
 Hello, my name is Michael Cook, the owner and chef of Michael’s Catering. I grew up in a hotel kitchen since my father was a general manager for Holiday Inn. I fell in love with the preparation of food and soon began cooking for a hotel, then worked my way up through the ranks to be come a chef in Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas. Then, as Food
Director, I became more involved in the operations end to round out my experience.
About eight years ago, I decided to use my catering experience for large and small groups to start my own catering business, which has been blooming ever since.
At Michael’s Catering, we provide a wide range of catering services for groups from 50 to 2500 guests. Whether you prefer banquet or custom menus, we cater for seated dinners, buffets and receptions with hot and cold hors d oeuvres. We prepare all types of cuisine – Mexican, Southwestern, Italian, and Luau. Planners also can choose from our premium choices, such as prime rib, lobster and other seafood dishes.
More than half of our business is for wedding related events – receptions, showers, rehearsal din ners; but, we also provide catered breakfasts, lunches, dinners and breaks all over Oklahoma for all type events.
Michael’s catering is known for our exceptional presentation. I create my own ice sculptures from a variety of designs to suit the occasion. We create a “wow” food table
by displaying the foods at different heights using mirrors and crystal glassware. We supply flowers and food linens that coordinate with your color scheme and even use decorative touches such as feathers to enhance the impression. We offer two foot to five foot cheese or shrimp towers (with as many as 800 shrimp!).
Utensils, plates, glassware are all provided, as are the set up and tear down. We supply a professional server and wait staff for sit down and banquet style events. For added convenience, we will also be happy to assist you in arranging for bar service, wedding and specialty cakes, rentals, florals and entertainment.
If an Oklahoma wedding or other event is in your future, please contact Michael’s Catering and discover how experience, professionalism, quality and artistic creativity sets us apart from the competition. For personal service, call me direct at 405-556-0377.
 Mike Cook, Chef/Owner
Michael’s Catering
P. O. Box 6514
Moore, Oklahoma 73153
405-556-0377
michaelscatering@coxinet.net
www.michaelcookcatering.com
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March 3, 2010 by Tahnya Schilke
 Believe it or not, research shows that a first impression (good or bad) is set in the first seven seconds or less! How your guests almost instantly feel about your special event will affect their entire experience and help form lasting memories. Luckily positive first impressions can actually be “staged.”
Hello, my name is Tahnya Schilke, the owner of Suddenly Simply. I am also an Accredited Staging Profession (ASP). I guess you could say I’ve been staging ever since I was a child who thoroughly enjoyed moving around furniture and household accessories.
Even then, I could sense the difference the placement made in how I and others felt.
My educational background is in special education and psychology, but I eventually realized that staging events, residences and commercial properties is what I enjoy. So, I began my staging company – Suddenly Simple.
My job (which I love) is to create space and atmosphere for your event using my understanding of space, color and proportion with the goal of achieving the desirable affect. In simple terms, what you place and where you place objects creates an ambience that effects emotions. How do you want your guests to feel? Impressed, relaxed, inspired, excited, romantic? All these and more are the result of creative staging.
The first part of the process is my sitting down with brides, grooms and other clients, listening well and truly understanding what effect they want to achieve for their occasion or theme. When I tap into their vision, I creatively use that knowledge to choose and arrange areas such as the entry way, reception table, ceremony stage and/or the overall impact of the area, whether it’s an indoor room or an outdoor patio.
I try to primarily use what is already available, including furniture, decorations and accessories – instead of spending a great deal of the budget on additional items. I can do as little or as much as clients prefer from a single centerpiece or  a “wow” table at the entrance to arranging the entire venue. Stretching the budget is a major priority.
In addition to staging events, I also use my training and talents to stage homes to make them more saleable, hotel lobbies, offices and other commercial properties.
If you’re planning a special event, don’t underestimate the power of creative staging.
Let Suddenly Simple help create the vision that will emotional impact your guests from the first seven seconds, throughout the event and forever in their memories.
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October 1, 2009 by admin
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Voyages to Success Tip From Jody Hamilton (Oklahoma River Cruises)
Why not consider renting a party boat for your next corporate meeting? The idea will get your employees and clients out of the “bored” room and onto a floating venue where they’ll be your captive, attentive and delighted audience. Be sure to check to see if the vessel has all the comforts your guests require, is climate controlled and has the audio/visual equipment you’ll need. Also be sure the vessel has an experienced crew and don’t forget to ask about catering options. |
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Oklahoma Proud Tip From Dan Parker (Ovations Foodservice)
Looking for a location that shows off Oklahoma to out-of-town guests? Think oil, horse, rodeo, or even an historical event in Oklahoma’s history. Remember that an event can be just as impressive in an unconventional setting, especially when you coordinate the menu, decorations and entertainment to give guests a real Oklahoma experience. |
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Halloween Blues Tip From Floyd Hannah (Ehrle’s Party & Carnival Supply)
Is planning a Halloween party sending cold chills up your spine? Afraid your standard witch costume might be “old hat?” Terrified that your decorations wouldn’t scare a human fly? Shaking in your boots thinking of ways to make your school or church fundraiser hauntingly successful? The answer is frighteningly simple. Just choose a party supply store that has the newest and most popular options…not just the traditional standards. Expect personal attention and creativity from your sales consultant. Share your ideas and let them draw from all their inventory and experience to turn spooky into spectacular. |
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It’s Show Time! Tip From Larry Payton (Celebrity Attractions)
Taking your group to enjoy a theatre production is a great choice that can be made even more fun with a little creativity. To add to their anticipation, surprise your guests in advance with a DVD with highlights of the show, or a CD with some of the music. Arrange for souvenirs for after the show and a “Meet and Greet” opportunity to have photos taken with a performer. You might even consider arranging a reception before or after the show to enhance the entire experience. |
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February 1, 2009 by andrea
Special Events Oklahoma is here to bring you the latest trends in color, decor, themes, rentals and event ideas from the professionals. Take advantage of the articles when planning your next event.
If you are an event expert and would like to submit an article, please email us today. We would love to share your thoughts!
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Go with a Pro
In the excitement of planning an event, first time planners often become too optimistic about their expectations and underestimate the full scope of what it will take to meet their goals. Their lack of experience can cause them to misjudge the expectations of their target group, as well as underestimate the costs and legalities involved. Choosing an experienced Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is often the wise choice.
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The “Theme” Advantage
When planning a romantic getaway, consider that it really takes at least 48 hours to let go of the stress, usual distractions and concentrate just on each other. Don’t assume that the right place has to include a trip out of town. Driving time can add to the stress and rob you of precious alone time. Look for local options with all the amenities and atmosphere you require.
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A Worthy Cause
During these conservation minded times, consider venues for your wedding or corporate event that benefit the world, as well as you and your guests. More than ever, today there are a number of non-traditional locations, such as a local zoo, museum, arboretum or historic facility where the proceeds of your event will help support a worthy cause. Ask your tax advisor about a possible tax deduction, as well.
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Freeze it for Later
Plan ahead to have nutritious meals on hand for yourself, family and friends. Pick-up your favorite dishes from your caterer or restaurant and freeze them ahead of time. It’s an especially good idea when it’s too hot to cook in the summer, or when you want to be sure an elderly loved one or college student is eating right.
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