I can’t believe what I overheard!

“I think balloons are tacky in weddings.” are the words I overheard while doing a balloon installation this time last year. Lord knows I love a beautiful balloon design. Balloons are one of my many favorites in design but I also know the difficulty of incorporating them in a wedding. Color palettes, concepts and flow are extremely intricate when it comes to working with balloons. I thought about those seven words quite often. The phrase, “I think balloons are tacky at weddings.” continued to replay over and over in my head. This myth weighed heavy on me..... it was a misconception. The couples in the world that love balloons simply just have a playful taste in style. As a result couples needed me to show up for them and because I love dope balloon designs it was important for me to give stylist couples what they requested and more. Just call me “The Myth Buster!!”, because I was ready to prove what balloons could in fact do. Therefore, I teamed up with some of the best and conducted a styled shoot to showcase that balloons CAN be very elegant in a wedding if designed and styled correctly.

I completely understand adding unusual concepts in your wedding can be scary. Sure balloons can be tacky in wedding decor IF it’s not done right. Yes, there are many things to consider if you want balloons incorporated in your wedding decor. To help I’ve made a list of a few balloon DON’TS.

-Don't have balloons just to have balloons. A good design plan is necessary for the flow and accurate placement of balloons and balloon structures. Balloon designs matter.

-Don’t put balloons in a high traffic area which results in damage.

-Don’t install balloons days in advance. Balloons pop, shrink, move and oxidation occurs (loses natural shine). To get the best result I suggest installing balloons on the same day as your event.

-Don’t stick floral stems in balloons or balloon structures. Most floral stems are sharp which may damage balloons. There is a technique for florals, homework is required!

-Don’t go overboard. It can easily take away from the overall concept.

You absolutely CAN have balloons and still have a classy, elegant wedding. Balloons are a perfect fit for fun couples who aren’t afraid to be different. If your style is modern and trendy then balloons may work just for you! Here’s why..

-Balloons can be very stylish in a unique way if planned correctly.

-Balloons can be an affordable alternative for fresh florals.

-Balloons also make great fillers when it comes to decor. Pairing them with florals creates an amazing wow factor.

If you know me and my company Passionate Event Designs then you know that I love to think outside the box. I love the endless possibilities when it comes to design and styling especially weddings. I’m not afraid to push the boundaries when it comes to creative expression. I believe the trick to getting it right with balloons is consulting with a professional. If you're that fun couple considering balloons in your wedding decor, I encourage you to go for it. There is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. You just have to do it! You don’t have to simplify your style for others at your wedding. Remember, It’s your day, let it be a reflection of who you truly are!

Check out these stunning photos from our styled shoot Bold Beauty. The charming venue in Frankfort, KY was The Foundry on Broadway. We had so much fun and the energy was fire.

Design & Styling and Coordination - Passionate Event Designs

Venue- The Foundry on Broadway

Photographer - Brian Jackson Photography

Stationery - Wild Joy Studios

Florist - TurnKey Memories

Models - Corey Jackson and Porscha Lynette

Bridal Gown - Relix Bridal

Tux - Men's Wearhouse

Make Up - Amavi Beauty

Media & BTS - Samanhattanpr

Multi-Colored Styled Shoot

I had a goal in mind when I started creating the design theme for this styled shoot. Being an event designer I wanted this styled shoot to scream vibrant, fun and bold. I believe so many couples are afraid to use bright colors on their special day. I live for decorating and styling an event with color. My design inspirations come from nature, lots of color, and unique decor props and pieces. I believe that's where I fit into the equation here, making sure all the individual pieces come together flawlessly. Correctly executed, colors can be an amazing decorative statement at any event. The shoot was only as good as the amazing vendors I collaborated with. The photographer, Charity Hedges, always brightens the room with her smile. Charity works her camera in many ways snapping such incredible images. This shoot was all about the details and details was exactly what Charity shot! Capturing the model's facial expressions told THE story, her wedding story of emotions and flashbacks of her very own wedding in the very same dress. Truly amazing!

Meredith, our model had such a bubbly personality that tied the whole shoot together. Her spirit was so fun yet beautiful and elegant. What a perfect match with the themed decor. Her willingness to be our bride at the last minute saved the day. Meredith even opened her preserved wedding dress box for such the occasion, how thoughtful, right? This opportunity allowed her a chance to put her own wedding dress back on. It was such a thrill to her especially after three years. From the floral design to the decorative throw pillows, I wanted to convey a nontraditional tone. Thinking outside the soft palette box, a multicolored range was perfect for this late summer wedding shoot. Customized menus and escort cards from Octane Design Studios added a personal touch. The gold metallic foil on the folded escort cards polished those extra finishing details. Using the rose bench and hutton chairs from Canvas Event Furniture gave a unique way to mix the textures, while adding dimension to the raw edged bark wood table. The rainbow garnished floral centerpieces created by Stems, LLC added zest to this bright tablescape. Bonnie has the perfect eye for getting it just just right! We absolutely loved everything about this shoot.

Fall Inspired Tablescape Sweet and Savory

Are you tired the traditional fall colors? You know, the yellows, oranges and reds combined? Those colors our parents and grandparents pulled out the closet to add a little extra love in the room at the beginning of Autumn. I know this too well myself! I can say that being a event designer I find inspiration in almost anything especially nature, seasons, and natural elements. I dare to be different, bold and unique creating designs and styles that could seem a bit risky!

The inspiration for this tablescape first came from my obsession of Fall. I guess can say I love Fall, it’s warm, cozy, and inviting. The breezy weather allows my family to spend more time together for some indoor shenanigans! As a busy mom with two boys, thick cardigans are my go to and the boys actually get to dress in way nicer clothes like flannels instead of their favorite summer Dry-fit athletic wear.

I love designing non traditional themes that have original pieces I can add my own twist on. Of course, you can't have Fall without pumpkins and gourds. But who said they have to stay completely original?! I went for a sweet and savory look, the bolds with hints of soft complement perfectly. Navy blue and sky blue, accompanied by metallic trims of gold made an amazing color palette which really appealed to the eye keen for details. Leaving the stems original, I spray painted the pumpkins and gourds with matte and glossy paint which turned out quite better than I expected. In love again once the pumpkins and gourds were placed in a perfect flow centered on the wood tablecloth. Yup! You read right, tablecloth!!!!!!

What’s a tablescape without a flawless place setting. I went for a distressed glossy off white charger plate with a hammered navy dinner plate. I handmade the napkins from a textured fabric bought from Walmart. Yes Walmart! Oh, I forgot to mention I love textures. Textures give that extra balance of detail my eyes crave for. The garnish of greenery I can think my neighbor for later. Thanks Neighbor!!!!!

The water color themed custom menu and place cards created by Octane Design Studios add that personalized touch leaving your guest feeling special, thought of and also informed of what type of foods planning to be served! It just sets the tone for a nice fellowship when you know what's coming…food wise….ummm yummy!!

This Fall inspired tablescape would be perfect for any type of event. Maybe you’re celebrating a new baby that’s on the way or your recently engaged so a engagement dinner or bridal shower is in the works. Who says Fall has to be all leaves, oranges and yellows. This look could also be achieved with some popping fall colors like cinnamon, plum, emerald green, olive or crimson. Couldn’t you just imagine those colors being the wow factor of your fall or holiday table!

Meet The Faces & Hearts Behind the Design!

I was born to decorate a party! I've always had a very creative side to me. I believe I really tapped into my creativity when I became a teen mother. Fresh out of high school, wanting to give my son a fabulous birthday party on a very small budget allowed me to use what I had on hand which was balloons, tape, scissors and card stock! I would pick a theme and my mind would just take off from there. Year after year I found myself decorating annual Christmas parties, birthday parties, baby showers and the list goes on.