An invitation

Here a few links to some invites and merchandise that I like, I can customize the text to have the information we require instead of what is there, those are just put on as examples. Just click on the highlighted words to be linked up to the pictures, then use your page navigation arrows on the top left corner to come back to this page.

The first picks are Autumn themed with beautiful colours and falling leaves.

The first artist is Teri Francis, username: squirrelhugger.

She does some beautiful autumn artwork don't you think?

The next artist is Bulgan Lumini, an Italian artist from Firenze.

Her works are very sparkly, and glittery and could be adapted for quite a few differen themes depending on which colour way is used. Autumn, Spring, Under the stars....

The last one I will put up is that of an New York based graphic artist who has traveled all around the world including to good old N.Z, his (I'm assuming his) user name is fat_fa_tin

and the first link is of his Spring flower range which I love (the top 3 pictures)

The second lot of links is of the same design used to spell the word LOVE, he also does the word JOY. Click on either word to see. The picture included with this post was done using fat_fa_tin's Spring flower design, which I imposed a line drawing of the temple onto. I had it used in the original designed invites we had for our temple day, as well as matching LOVE stickers for the envelope seals. I did get them made, pity they didn't get used (a shame really, they were so pretty.)

I may find and post some others up at a later time, but its getting quite late, so I will leave it for now. Can't wait till you guys jump on and give me your input! Thanx guys love you lots.

Ok here are the rates for room rental at the Hamilton Gardens, if you have an alternative that is less costly or less stressful, just let me know OK!

Rotary Lounge (max 90)....$242 (evening) /$384 (all day) inc refundable bond of $100

Chartwell Room (max 150)...$385 (evening) /$568 (all day) inc refundable bond of $200

Circular Court (max of 540)...$576 (evening) /$817 (all day) inc refundable bond of $300

Sole use of kitchen is $40 for a half day (morn/noon/evn) or $120 for full day

My thoughts are turning towards using the Rotary Lounge, it has large panoramic windows looking out to the stone bridge etc..., a small courtyard with doors for getting fresh air, barbequeing? (if its not too cold) lovely long white pillars to decorate around the edge of the room, and it's also the cheapest. I don't think we will be inviting more than 90 people.

The fees also include the cleaning fees for afterwards, we just have to take away what we bought in.

The kitchen has excellent facilities including: Electric stove, Gas cooker, 2 zips (hot water), Commercial dishwasher (yay!), 2 Fridges, Microwave and Foodwarmer. It also has some crockery (plates etc..) but no glassware or cutlery (knives, forks etc...). All rooms come with some long tables, however if more are required they can be hired at $6 each

What ya think?

Star?

One idea I have come up as a theme is "underneath the stars." Because this party will be able to celebrate our achievements, and those that have made them possible, I thought of 3 options that would honour the cause of Thankfulness.

1. Crowns- Treat them like royalty for an evening, in gratitude of their help.2. Angels: because so many of those I intend to invite have been angels in our lives.3. Stars-because everyone has been a star, a guiding light to help.
I decided to go with stars because it is a simple concept that should be easy to decorate for (fairy lights etc..) but if you guys have other thoughts as to ideas for the other 2 or even any other concept for a theme that you might have, I am open to it. One thing I am having problems coming up with is a colour scheme, so please, please my darling party planner babes, some ideas. I was thinking very deep dark purple and silver maybe? I don't know let me know what you think!
Venue: I think at the moment, one of the rooms at the Hamilton Gardens looks to be the most cost effective at present, however we have a good amount of time to figure this out. We just need to make the decisions that make up the "bones" of the event together first and foremost I suppose. So now I have chucked my ideas out there, let me have feedback guys, and lets get to it!!

Autumn?

If we do decide to go with the Autumn theme, it may be good idea to capitalize on it now, with all the natural Autumn decorating resourses around where we live: Pretty coloured leaves, acorns, pine cones etc... I think its a neat idea, and I think it maybe the pick of the bunch! We need to collect lots of leaves etc... for decorating the entire space, we just need to store the leaves flat and dry.

A few more theme ideas

I really wanted to do Autumn as a theme for the original occasion I planned for (It's my favourite season!) So maybe we could stick with that. Heres a few pics to go with the idea, even tho it probably wont be Autumn when we get it off the ground, might be neat walking into an Autumn Paradise!! What do you reckon?