From: Cheryl Rupple <CherylR@shortandassociates.com>
To: "'The Network'" <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Subject: RE: Coming out of the closet
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 11:33:02 -0400

Laura,

What a great post!  Congratulations on your first major wedding job!  This
IS a fun business despite all of the "challenges" you can come up against.
But, I believe there are "challenges" in whatever we decide to do...so might
as well have FUN too!

I would like to get more details on the "glass block/river rock waterfall".
It sounds neat!

As far as for your question:  Yes, always carry extra socks!  We always have
extra supplies, a couple extra centerpieces made, couple extra weights,
couple extra this and that.  We'll use our extras and then do just as you,
put the undone tables in the back, or where least noticed.  If possible, we
put some effort into it to make it look nice, but we don't spend extra hours
and probably wouldn't make 7 more centerpieces.  Usually there's not enough
time.  Personally, I just try to maintain a good profit margin, do what I
can that I think is reasonable, and not go back and charge extra.  I usually
don't mention it unless it is brought up to me.

Eventfully Yours!             

             Cheryl Rupple, CBA
     C3 Decorating - - - Defiance, OH

		-----Original Message-----
		From:	Laura Nichols [mailto:balloons@party.jcubed.com]
		Sent:	Monday, June 12, 2000 11:18 AM
		To:	deco list
		Subject:	Coming out of the closet

		Hello List!

		I'm coming out of the lurkers' closet, it is just too dark
in there :)

		This past weekend was our 1st major wedding and although we
had some
		unexpected developments, it was beautiful.  The 90 degree
heat was an added
		challenge, but we handled it well.  We built 2 sets of 2 six
foot columns
		with an SOP connecting them for the 2 different entrances
for the church.
		We had helium balloons on a cup/stick (Dancers I believe
they are called)
		milling around in the giant foyer where the 2 gift tables
were placed.  We
		designed a waterfall out of glass blocks and river rock, and
placed it in
		between the 2 gift tables.  Each gift table also had a
balloon bouquet on it
		as well.  We had a small balloon topiary on the guest book
table.  Wish I
		had a dollar for every person that asked how we made that!

		The reception hall was done "to the 9s".  Each table had a
double runner
		that we cut out of plastic tablecloths (purple & lilac)
using a wavy blade
		on a rotary cutter.  We had 7 more tables than expected, so
3 of the ones in
		the very back went without runners.  Because of the bride's
budget, we had
		planned 2 different centerpieces to alternate between
tables.  One used a
		16" round mirror with 3 wine goblets filled with glass
marbles and
		tealights.  In between the goblets on the mirror we put a 3"
lilac balloon
		on top of the stems for 3 white roses laying on the mirror
and purple heart
		confetti sprinkled.  The other tables had 2 ivy bowls with
tealights/marbles
		and lilac rosettes in the marbles, and confetti down the
entire runner.
		After the tables were completely set with both colors of
plates, napkins,
		tumblers, and forks the room just screamed!  We then had
another snag with
		the SOPs that were planned to go around the center columns,
but we overcame
		that by creating 5 balloon bouquets and taped them on the
outside walls at
		table height with a gossamer bow and long tails to the
floor.  The bride &
		groom had a small stage to sit on with throne-like chairs
and a small table.
		The stage was swagged with gossamer and white lights with
lilac ribbon and
		gossamer at the points all the way to the floor.

		 I have never imagined working so hard AND having so much
fun at the same
		time in my life!!!  Thanks to this list and THE GUIDE at
BalloonHQ, I have
		found something that turns the wheels in my head and lets my
creativity
		flow.  I spent many hours researching the guide, watching
the videos, and
		planning.  It turned out as fabulous as I had planned...but
my socks are off
		to YOU!!!!

		And now for my question... What percentage extra should I
allow for (as far
		as extra tables/centerpieces, etc.) from now on?  I met the
bride at the
		location prior to the event, but the janitor set up extra
tables, and left
		instructions not to move any of them.  From the last few
days on the list I
		can see this is a common dilemma, common enough to plan for?
I don't like
		getting caught without an extra pair of socks!

		Laura Nichols
		3s-a-Party!
		Balloon Design and Party Decor
		We Decorate so You Can Celebrate!
		http://party.jcubed.com