I am so excited to have as TBC's guest....the amazing and truly inspiring Tara Guérard of Soirée. When I think of "Southern Weddings", I can't help but think of Tara. Her events are always so beautiful, but the one thing that stands out in all of them.... are the DETAILS....Tara's attention to details are simply amazing! She truly has her "signature" on each and everyone of them and it shows! Not only is she wonderful at putting together the most incredible and fabulous soirées....she is such a charming and sweet lady! So without further ado...I give you Tara....Enjoy!!
TBC: What details make a "Southern Wedding"?
Tara: A "Southern Wedding" is one where you consider your guests first! You want them to be comfortable and show them "Southern Hospitality".
TBC: How does a bride incorporate "her personal touch" on her wedding?
Tara: With her "style". When I meet with a client, I play "the investigator" and I find out her likes and dislikes. I want to incorporate a personal element about the bride into her wedding...it could be with a food item - like her favorite yummy salad or a decorative piece that describes her style. You want to find that "something" that your guest will say, for example..."This is so Sarah"! Remember, it's the small and thoughtful details that will be remembered by your guests!
TBC: Describe a Tara Guérard event.
Tara: A Tara Guérard event is very attentive to detail in EVERYTHING.....the desserts, the lighting, making sure the music is not to loud, seeing that there is always someone there to help the guests. Emphasis is placed, not only on being able to get to the bar and food stations, but ensuring that guests can see what's going on; making sure guests have a place to sit and are able to engage in new conversation. You want everyone to be able to talk to each other. Everything I do when planning an event is about the guests. These are all things that make our weddings and events special and having a male guest come up to me and saying he loves everything about the wedding....this really makes it special!
TBC: What advice can you share with our couples on a "small budget" that will help them to have a "Signature Wedding".
Tara: Pay attention to DETAILS! You can also rent glassware and linens in fun bright colors...this will add to the decor. Also...something as simple as dimming the lights at the venue and this doesn't cost a thing!
TBC: What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Tara: Having my first book published...Southern Weddings and being a new mom and still being able to work!
TBC: What is your favorite wedding venue?
Tara: My favorite weddings are weddings enjoyed at home. From the start they are personal and you can transform the yard into something so magical!
TBC: Please give us a few "Tips" for a successful Soirée.
Tara:
- Hire a great photographer...You want someone who can capture the ambiance, the details and the memories.
- Choose colors and foods that reflect a time of year...i.e. don't serve figs in the Spring - it's a fall thing.
- Never do a seated dinner around a dance floor. Define each space - one area for cocktails, one for dinner, and another for dancing.
- Let your personalities show through at your reception.
- Try a 4X4 foot table for 8 - it's a guarantee that people will talk to each other.
- Offer guests a signature drink as a welcome. It is a personal detail and prevents that initial backup at the bar.
- For outdoor weddings, always remember....if you don't have a backup plan....IT WILL RAIN! Also, make sure to invest in a few bug machines and set them out weeks in advance of the event...these machines can be purchased at your local home improvement store.
Tara's fabulous book...if you don't own a copy it is a "must have"!!!
The oh-so-talented, Liz Banfield is the amazing photographer that captured the beautiful weddings that Tara shares with us in Southern Weddings. Liz was kind enough to send me two of Tara's weddings to share with you today....Let's check out the "Something Blue" wedding of Lainey & Trip !
Our featured couple...Lainey & Trip!
A little "something blue" in the bouquet!
The blue and white letter-pressed invitations!
Blue and white "Welcome Bags" for their guests!
I love these gardenia balls..and the blue ribbon is perfect!
WOW...totally sophisticated and I love the clean lines of the total look!
How cute are the blue drink umbrellas....Tara gives step by step instructions on how to make these in her book!
What a great idea...rose petal boxes....how elegant!
Tara....thank you for stopping by the cafe today....you are truly an inspiration to all of us and we look forward to your next book and hopefully seeing your beautiful "Southern Weddings" on the network! Check back later guys for another "Southern Wedding" from Tara!
EVERY detail in that wedding was draw-dropping! So stunning and well-done!
Posted by: Jessica Lynn | May 13, 2008 at 04:19 AM
Great interview Janie! I absolutely love Tara's work...her book is my favorite...and this was such great planning advice! :)
Posted by: Maria @ {ritzy bee} | May 13, 2008 at 05:05 AM
WOW- what an incredible wedding! I absolutely love everything about it, but my favorite detail are the lovely tables under that tent- amazing! The rose petal boxes are also lovely.
Posted by: MK | May 13, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Hi Janie, This was a great interview. I purchased Tara's book last year while in Nashville. I love all the details she includes within the book! KLG
Posted by: Kelley Lee Gin | May 13, 2008 at 09:52 AM