Corporate Events

Wedding receptions and social events are always welcome in The Center. We love sharing in the celebrations with our brides and grooms, seeing coworkers gather together for holiday festivities and more. Over and over again, we talk about how exciting it is to see the space transform in unique and personalized ways for each and every event. The flexibility of the venue makes it perfect for adding custom touches and making the space work for each and every event. Corporate events are no exception!

 

Recently, a training seminar was held in The Center for approximately 100 people. Utilizing the large ballroom and many of the siderooms for breakout sessions, the space easily accommodated the needs of a day-long event.

  

The registration table was located just underneath the dome ceiling.

This picture shows the Dome Room from a side angle. The buffet was to the left of the registration tables and to the right, additional tables were set to serve as work stations.

Work Stations

 

The Ballroom was set for a larger seminar. Prestige AV later came in to set up a projector, screen and microphones.

Taken from behind the panelists' table, a view of where the audience sat during the lectures. On the opposite side of the room, you can see the pipe and drape system which divided the training space from the tables set for lunch.

 

Seating for 110 people on the side of the Ballroom facing Fountain Square. This gave attendees a great view while they enjoyed their lunch.

Two side rooms served as a space for breakout sessions.

Again, projection equipment was brought in to allow for presentations.

eat well celebrations and feasts provided breakfast, snacks and lunch.

The eat well team hard at work in the kitchen

The buffet table was filled with delicious breakfast options!

Beverages were available for attendees throughout the event.

A shot of the kitchen during the preparation for breakfast.

 

 

 

O is for Olde

"Something olde,

            something new,

          something borrowed,

            something blue,

                                 and a silver sixpence in your shoe."

 

 

There are numerous ways to incorporate "something old" into the wedding. The tradition originating from the old English ryhme above refers to the bride's family and close friends giving her gifts to show love and bring good luck. The old represents the continity between the past and future, the new is optimism for the future, borrowed refers to happiness borrowed from others and the blue symbolizes love and purity (theKnot.com).

 

From something small and sentimental, to something with a large "wow" factor, here are some suggestions for old items to have with you or use on your wedding day:

 

Wedding transportation: How about a classic car?

 

 

 

Clothing and accessories: Do you own any heirloom pieces of jewelry?

     Consider sewing a button or fabric from your parents' wedding clothing inside of the wedding

     dress.

     Wear a veil that has been handed down through generations.

     Incorporate antique ribbon or an old hat pin or brooch into the bouquet.

 

Location: Choose an historic venue to hold the ceremony and/or reception.

 

Photograph of the Contemporary Arts Center in 1970. Now, the location of The Center! :)

 

 

Images: Are there any great photographs from your parents' or grandparents' weddings? What about pictures of the bride and groom from his and her childhoods? You can carry these images with you, or have them on display as reminders of the past as you move forward into the future.

 

Just for fun: Try incorporating old or out-dated technology - for example, use typewriters for the guest book entries.

 

Photograph by Christina Littleton Photography. November 2011 reception in The Center!

 

 

For these ideas and more, visit Voices.yahoo.com

 

You can probably handle the borrowing from family and friends, but where do you find a sixpence? There are companies who sell these as wedding keepsakes, or you can use a dime or penny as an alternative. This small touch is intended to represent wealth and financial security. (marthastewartweddings.com)

Oh, and we have you covered on the "something new" and "something blue" too! Our LED lit dome ceiling has a variety of color options and the recent renovations definitely qualify as new :)

 

 The Center

115 East Fifth Street

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

 

 



 

 



Get to Know: Grand Expectations Events

Lauren Walker, founder and president of Grand Expectations Events, served as the wedding planner for the June 16, 2012 wedding and reception of Trena and Terence Dear. We were delighted to have this event take place in The Center and it was a pleasure getting to know Lauren, Trena and Terence in the months leading up to the event. Lauren was very cooperative as we coordinated with various vendors and we were so impressed with the colors and design that she and Trena chose for the day.

We asked Lauren about her experience in the industry and for some background information on Grand Expectation Events. Her attention to detail and the relationships she builds with vendors and her clients are evident in her work. Read below for more on how she is able to do what she loves with passion and style!

Personal Background:

Q: How long have you been in the industry?
A: I started Grand Expectations Events in 2009.

Q: What did you do before you became an event planner?
A: I was a Commercialization Specialist for JohnsonDiversey (a division of SJ Johnson, cleaning products).

Q: What are your favorite aspects of event planning?
A: I would say I love meeting so many people. It's great getting to know my clients and forming strong relationships. I also love keeping in touch after the wedding and seeing where their lives go.

Background on Grand Expectations Events:

Q: How did Grand Expectations Events get its start?
A: I always had desire to plan and host events. Through the years I was always the one friends and family went to for direction and style. In 2009, I got the opportunity to make my dreams a reality. It started right then and there, with passion and determination. I have been so fortunate to meet so many wonderful vendors as well as Brides.

Q: How many people are on staff?
A: Grand Expectations Events has grown and this year acquired the very capable Andrea Muhlhauser to take on more events. We look forward to growing even more in the future!

Q: What are your specialties?
A: I would say my specialty is details. I love all the little things that Brides want to do in order to increase the look of their day. I have good vision and can help them out with wanting to make their wedding unique.

Work in The Center:

Q: What do you like most about the venue?
A: I think it's such a unique space. The ballroom is a blank canvas and you can do whatever you want with the space. No two weddings will be alike there!

Q: If you could use The Center to design and host any event, what would it be and what would you do with the space?
A: There is so much you could do with the space it's hard to pick just one. I do think it would be really fun to "redo" plan my own wedding there. I love color and would add lots of it on the walls and tables. I would also love to take advantage of the entry space with the dome. An over the top cocktail hour would be very fitting there.

For contact information, pictures and reviews of Grand Expectations Events: CLICK HERE

See below for pictures of Lauren's planning expertise in action at The Center!

Trena and Terence Dear     *     Married June 16, 2012     *     The Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

 

 

The Ceremony

The ceremony was held beneath the dome ceiling.

 

 

The Reception

 



The linens brought so much color into the room and the centerpieces were unique and creative!

The lighting was provided by Party Pleasers.

 

The bridal party re-entering The Center between the ceremony and reception.

 

Congratulations to Trena and Terence! You have an amazing family and it was so nice to be able to share in the celebration!
 

N is for Name Cards

Name cards, (also known as place cards) are a nice, easy way to help your guests find their assigned seat.

Tented place cards look nice, are more visible and easier for guests to pick up. 

 

Flat business card-like place cards are also an option. These can be creatively designed to incorporate a theme, or placed in holders to make them easier for guests to see.

Not sure if you want to have assigned seating? Definitely think about it! This great article from weddingchannel.com explains that planning the seating arrangement ahead of time greatly reduces the stress and anxiety your guests may face in having to choose his or her own seat. There is a good chance, especially with a larger guest list, that there are a few feuding relatives who do not want to see each other, couples who deperately want to sit together, or guests who do not know anyone except the bride and groom and have no idea where to take a seat!

Once you have decided on how you want your tables arranged and who will be where, designing the place cards is a good way to direct your guests to the proper location. You may choose to number your tables, or if you have a theme, you may want to get creative and name your tables. Many people with have the cards organized alphabetically by last name as guests enter the reception. Guests find their name card, with the table designation also printed on it, and then seat themselves at the appropriate table.

Consider a simple frame to hold your wedding name cards.

 

Stands like these are also great options for the name cards and table numbers.

For a more formal event, consider using escort cards in addition to the name cards. Have an envelope with your guest's name printed on the outside and have the table printed on a card inside of the envelope. Once guests arrive at their table, they will find their individual place card at their designated seat.

Love this unique idea for a place card at the table! Also a great way to work in a theme.

A seating chart may work better for your event than a table full of place cards. We have seen many creative ideas, such as writing guest names and table numbers on an ornate mirror, or designing artistic posters. Once guests spot their names and find their tables, name cards can again be used to designate a specific seat at that table.

 

 

Your name cards can also be used for unique favors for your guests!

 

Think about using candy as your name card holder. Guests can find their seat, and enjoy a small treat!

Try using an object that guests can take home with them as a personalized momento from your wedding.



New Banner for The Center

Our Opening Day Banner was such a hit, we decided to celebrate the start of the Bengals' season in a similar fashion! Check out the new banner on the outside of The Center.

The Center is located at 115 East Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 - within a block of Fountain Square, convenient to nearby parking and hotels!