Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Use Pinterest for Ideas, Let Us Put Them to Life!

We have all done it, there's no denying.  If you have downloaded the Pinterest app, you are guilty.  You have been up half the night at least once pinning hundreds of ideas to a fresh new board.  Baby showers, bridal showers, engagement parties, birthday parties just to name a few.  You get wrapped up in all the fresh and unique ideas that will make your event unlike any other.  We have met you.  You have told us that you are going to make your own centerpieces and decor that you found on Pinterest.  We applauded you instead of pushing our rental items that could save you so much time and money.  Then the week of your event, you are that very same customer in a panic because you have ran out of time.  Out of money.  Lost the desire for your event to be unlike any other.  You just need help!  We are here!  We have centerpieces and fresh ideas... all in one location and available to rent at a fraction of the cost.  What were you planning on doing with 50 mason jars wrapped in burlap after your event anyway?  How much gas did you spend on finding 50 mason jars in one location?  Shipping those sometimes costs more than the jars themselves!  This is the life of the pinner... and we are here to help!  So before you go off the pinning deep end, save yourself and your friends.  Call, email, tag, message, whatever you have to do to let us save you money and a little sanity!

Sincerely,

The Ladies of Off Broad Rentals & DESIGN, LLC.






Monday, January 4, 2016

Happy New Year!!

I can't believe it's 2016!  We are excited to meet with all of our new clients for the year.  Every January brings newly engaged couples and lots of fresh ideas!  We spend most of our time planning and designing each individual event and we are ready to get started for the year.  Are you or someone you know planning a wedding for 2016?  Contact us today for your free 1-hour appointment.  We are familiar with most venues in the area and can guide you through rental decisions and even help with vendor selections.  We look forward to working with you soon!

-The Ladies at Off Broad Rentals & Design, LLC.

770.868.1084
www.offbroaddesign.com
Find us on Facebook & Pinterest!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

A Thank You to a Friend

I am dedicating this blog post as a thank you to a customer, fellow wedding professional and friend. 

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There are those moments in life that quickly remind you to fasten your seatbelt, eat healthier, treat others with respect, fight for what you believe in or simply love living.  Those moments seem to mold us into who we are and help us determine where we are meant to be.  For those that have truly grasped this, they are those that usually have fought the hardest, been through more and learned the most.  An act of kindness comes naturally because they have lived, and for that, they will always be remembered. 

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A few weeks ago we were discussing our centerpiece inventory and saying how we needed something new.  Of course we never know what direction to go in because once you've purchased an item that's "in", it's usually no longer the style by the following year.  Keeping up with the current trends can be overwhelming and very costly.  Needless to say, the conversation ended with many ideas, but no new purchases.

A week later, in walks our above mentioned friend with a folder that pictured all of her beautiful inventory for sale.  As Janet looked through the folder admirably, she knew there was no possible way we would be able to purchase it all.  She kindly listened as each item was described, but again, just knew the inventories worth was out of reach.  Our friend went on to say that she would prefer all of the items be sold together and to someone she knew that would use them, as well as take care of them.  Due to illness, she no longer could. 

Wanting to say yes no matter the price under the circumstances, Janet literally held her breath expecting to hear thousands of dollars requested.  Much to her surprise, when the offer was put on the table, Janet immediately agreed.  Our centerpiece inventory wish (amongst other inventory) was answered! 

The following day we met to pick up the items.  Yes, we had seen the folder and yes, the price was fabulous, but... we had no idea what was about to be loaded in our trucks.  Let's simply say that these items were practically given away.  What an honor that we were chosen to purchase these items and be able to rent them to our future brides.  Even though there was an exchange of money, I feel we still owe our friend.  It was evident how difficult it was to let it all go.  However, I know that she fulfilled her wish in keeping all of the items in one location and knowing we will put them to use. 

These acts of kindness are rare and we recognized it immediately.  For that, we thank you.

With sincere gratitude,

The Ladies at Off Broad

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Engaged? Here is some food for thought!

We have all been to a wedding or had a part in one at some point in our lives.  Each wedding brings a new comical story, crazy incident or dramatic situation no matter how much you try to avoid it.   After being part of the industry for over 14 years, we have heard or witnessed our fair share.  I must say that most of the incidents have been due to one of the following;

•Funds - the person(s) paying for the wedding believing they having the final say
•Time - a minimal time frame allotted at the venue
•Planning - those weddings ran by "Aunt Gertrude" or the friend that is either a wedding planner or wants to become one

So who does pay for a wedding these days?  The tradition of the brides family paying for the wedding and the grooms family taking care of the rehearsal is still more common than you would  think.  Unfortunately, that sometimes goes to the mother or the father of the brides head (for lack of a better way of saying it)!  Should they have the final say because they are forking over the cash?  I do believe they should be a part of the whole process and their input considered within reason, but also be open to the bride and grooms wishes.  A wedding should reflect the couple getting married, not their parents!  1970's cake and punch in the Church basement or fellowship hall isn't exactly what's "in" these days (sorry Mom)! 

Paying for your own wedding tends to eliminate the "final say" issue, however, budgets are usually tight.  Young couples paying for their weddings brings strict budgets, small venue time frames and lots of DIY projects.  All of this combined can either be perfect if not overdone or a perfect nightmare if it is.  All of those DIY centerpieces with 11 components equals one thing and that is TIME.  Why DIY when you don't have to buy, simply RENT!

Can't afford more than the 6-8 hour time frame allotted with your venue?  Keep the décor simple, plan to pay for additional time to set up or pay a company like us at Off Broad to coordinate and set up your event.  If you don't, your guests may be walking into a reception hall that isn't ready! 

So why not let your Aunt, relatives or friends run your wedding?  From our experience, most tend to forget its not their wedding.  Or, they are the only one who knows what the bride wants.    It doesn't matter if there is a full layout, printed timeline and color coded boxes, the wedding is going to be done how they see fit.  Now don't get me wrong, we have been proven wrong many times with relatives helping.  However, we have seen many more that continue to keep the stories coming.  Hire someone that you can relate easily to and know that your vision will come to life.  Besides, do your friends and family that want to coordinate also want to miss the Ceremony?  Wedding coordinators can come with a costly price tag, but most can work with your exact needs.  From day-of to full service packages, let us provide you with an affordable and worthwhile estimate.

Please contact us for any assistance on your Wedding to-do list.  Whether you are in the beginning stages or finalizing minor details, be sure to schedule your appointment to see our unique showroom today!

770.868.1084
offbroaddesign@aol.com
www.offbroaddesign.com
Also find us on Facebook & Pinterest!

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Burlap in a Ballroom?

Each year brings us all sorts of new color schemes and themes.  Once David's Bridal places those new bridesmaids dresses on the floor, in come the new color requests.  At the start of each year, we see what's "in", what's still popular from the previous year(s) and what's making a comeback.

So far this year I would have to say that the new color scheme is gold & pink (be sure to check out our new gold/bronze cake plateau shown below).  Hues of purple, as well as burlap and lace are still popular from last year.  The comeback colors are definitely light blue with a hint of silver and even dusty rose.  Colors and themes in weddings seem to be like the clothes in your closet - if you keep them long enough, they make there way back around!

We often see classic combos such as black & white with an accent color, all whites with a hint of natural greens and reds and blacks (go Dawgs!).  These schemes can be simply put together and easy to add personal ideas and touches to.  Hats off to our rebel, trendsetting brides that step outside the box and keep things fresh & interesting.  I sometimes have my doubts, but they always pull together!  Teal and lime, for instance...  yes, it actually worked!

So how do you choose your color scheme?  A favorite color?  A current trend?  If you're not set on a color prior to finding your venue, I would suggest starting there.  Burlap in a ballroom is simply a no-no, but I can't say it hasn't been done (eek!).  If you can't have your burlap and ballroom too, use it at the rehearsal dinner!  A win-win! 

Speaking of the rehearsal dinner, enjoy it.  Like your Wedding, let both represent YOU as a couple.  Bring the color, scheme or theme that you couldn't use at the Wedding at your dinner.  Black linens with black & white checked linens and lanterns for barbecue, a mix of vivid colors and centerpieces for Mexican or throw in that burlap and mason jars for your southern comfort food.  Again, be you.

If you've found your venue, but a color still isn't speaking to you, schedule your appointment to visit our showroom.  We will be happy to show you samples and guide you in the right direction.  Who knows, your color may be waiting on you! 

Just so you know, your subconscious speaks to us...  We have a really good theory at guessing your wedding color (if already chosen, of course) before you even tell us!  Be sure to ask to test our theory when you come in!

Lisa Wilson & the Ladies at Off Broad


Our new gold/bronze 18" square cake plateau. 

Saturday, February 15, 2014

J&L Party Rental, Inc. is no longer, Off Broad Rentals & Design, LLC. we are!

Since November 1999, we (Janet, Larry, Lisa & Lindsey), have been known as J&L party in the rental world.  What we thought would be a simple tent, table and chair business has molded into more of a wedding rental and design company throughout the last 14 years. 

When we outgrew our previous location in Auburn and found our new unique space in historic downtown Winder, we knew it was time for a name change.  Prior to our move (and even now), customers were telling us that if they had only known all of the items we rent outside of the standard party rental items (centerpieces, décor, silk arrangements, etc.), they wouldn't have invested in so many items they would never use again.  Plus, it would have been at a fraction of the cost to rent! 

We also provide wedding coordinating that most other rental companies do not offer.  From simple day-of  to full service packages, we can design what fits best for each Bride and their budget.  Corporate events and birthday party planning also available. 

Are you a Pinterest junkie or do-it-yourselfer and simply need a few extra hands on the day of the event?  We can do that too!  Crews are available at an hourly rate to assist in setup, decorating, bussing tables, replenishing food & drinks, etc.  

Silk flowers are more and more popular these days as well.  Bouquets, corsages, Boutonnieres and arrangements can be made for rental or purchase.  Send us a picture, tag us on Pinterest or schedule an appointment and we will design in silk!  Bring us your flowers, pictures and ideas and we will charge a small labor fee to put them together!

Our new location, new look, new services and new rentals needed a new name.   Therefore, J&L Party Rental, Inc. is no longer, Off Broad Rentals & Design, LLC. we are!

Stop by and visit our showroom right outside of downtown Winder in our historic home.  Stay tuned for our new website!