Plan It! Magazine Spring 2018 Edition

spring 2018

Caterers Design + Décor Desserts Entertainment Fashion Floral Invitations Planners Photographers Giveaways Transportation Trends Venues Videographers

A LOOK INSIDE:

Ways to Seat Your Guests Tips from Local Experts Top Trends of 2018 Catering Feature

Your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so be sure to celebrate it in a way they’ll never forget - at Dave & Buster’s. We offer customized and kosher menus, private event space that can accomommodate groups of 10-1200, an in-house DJ, and hundreds of interactive and video games in our Million Dollar Midway. A big day requires a big celebration!

CONTACT JENNIFER NAGLE AT 734.452.4606 I-275 @ 7 Mile Rd. on Victor Pkwy

$100 OFF YOUR NEXT EVENT OF $3000 or more

Kosher STYLE Menu Options Available

VISIT WWW.DAVEANDBUSTERS.COM/SPECIALEVENTS

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TAKE A SEAT

PUBLISHER STAR TRAX EVENTS

CATERING MENU

PRESIDENT GEOFF KRETCHMER

TRENDS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM MOBILE PARTY SOLUTIONS WORDS OF WISDOM

CREATIVE DIRECTOR BECCA SCHLUSSEL GRAPHIC DESIGNER MICHAEL HNATIUK PHOTOGRAPHERS ABBY ROSE BRETT MOUNTAIN BRIAN MASSERMAN JUSTIN MUNTER PAUL STOLOFF RON LIEBERMAN

COVER DETAILS MAX AND HAYLEY’S B’NAI MITZVAH, CHILDREN OF ESTHER & CARLITO YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY: BRETT MOUNTAIN PLANNER: STAR TRAX ADVISORY TEAM DÉCOR: DESIGNS BY DEBBIE LECLAIRE FLORAL: JEFFREY FLORAL ARCHITECTURE WANT TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT PLAN IT! MAGAZINE? BECCA@STARTRAX.COM

1200 WOODWARD HEIGHTS FERNDALE, MI 48220 STARTRAX.COM / 248.263.6300 INFO@STARTRAX.COM

Food Station

take a

seat by jen ajlouny star trax events

Bar

Written for Michigan Meetings + Events Winter 2018

Guest Seating

Dance Floor

Social Seating 3

Masserman Photography

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reating an event that is fun and functional can sometimes be extremely challenging. How you arrange your seating and where you want each guest to be seated plays a huge role in the intimacy, movement, and way your guests interact. Whether you’re seating guests for a formal affair or a business meeting, keep in mind that the longer someone sits, the less chance they have of participating in whatever else is planned away from the table.

The formal event, with a plated meal, requires seating for everyone. In this scenario, place cards are a must. It’s always uncomfortable for a guest to search for a seat. Tables should all be the same height and, if the budget allows, it’s fun to mix up the shapes. Rounds and squares are both perfect for conversation and require standard size table linens that are easily accessible to any banquet manager. Add several high-top cocktail tables to create conversation points by the bars for guests to stand up and mingle.

Cocktail parties and strolling “food station” events are on the rise. No need for assigned seating – your guests will be on the go all night. Be creative. Communal high tops are currently trending. They are available in many finishes such as metal, acrylic, and wood in a variety of shades. You can stand at these tables or add stools. Soft seating, including couches, chairs, and coffee tables, can be mixed in to create a few intimate spots to converse. Seventy percent ‘social seating’ and thirty percent ‘standard seating’ is typical for an event that requires interaction and movement. The standard seating should include reserved seats for any guests that you know would need, and appreciate, a seat.

You can have an event that is a combination of both seating styles. Provide assigned seating for all your guests AND offer soft seating around the dance floor and communal high tops near the bars and dessert area. This option lends itself to a nice balance and adds dimension to the look and feel of your party.

When choosing the right way to seat your guests, it’s important to take into consideration everything else you have planned for them. If hors d’oeuvres are in a separate space, don’t forget to add high tops and low cocktail tables to this area as well. The goal is to make sure that your guests have a great experience and that they go home with something good to talk about –

Your Event!

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248.365.4014 / massermanphotography.com

Photos You’ll Love. Memories for Life

BAR/BAT MITZVAH PARTIES THAT ROCK!

UNIQUE EVENT SPACE FOR PARTIES OF ALL SIZES!

45300 Mound Road Shelby Township, MI 48317

joedumarsfieldhouse.com

(586) 731-3080

COME AS A GUEST. LEAVE AS A LEGEND.

Plan an event at the only venue where culinary chops, craft beverages and epic gaming all come together for one unforgettable party. The James Beard Award Winning Chef Hugh Acheson diner-inspired dishes are amazing. And with bowling, ping pong, darts, an 80’s arcade, foosball, two private karaoke rooms, deck shuffle, a photo booth and a ton of table games, Punch Bowl Social is one of the only places where you can come as a guest and leave as a legend.

1331 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226 • 313-749-9738 punchbowlsocial.com • myeventrocks@punchbowldetroit.com

c at e r i n Regardless of the size, place, or season, events always have one common denominator – FOOD. Options that are fun to eat, excite the taste buds, and can be beautifully displayed are always a hit. What’s trending? Choose “vessels” that allow for easy holding, without the use of a table. Small plates, bite-sized appetizers, desserts, and fun food on a stick are great ways to eat, drink, and mingle on the move. Featured here are some of our favorite local “go-to” catering professionals. These talented foodies provide terrific service in our industry and will add flavor to your gathering. There are no rules – HAVE FUN!

Annabel’s & Co. Catering Julie Herman / (248) 813-7800 annabelscatering.com Let’s get together and create the perfect feast to compliment your next special event. Our goal is to exceed your expectations in the beauty of our presentation, the freshness of our flavors, and raving reviews of those you are serving. Our clients become family – and we love feeding our family!

Cutting Edge Cuisine Heather Wasikowski / (248) 865-0629 cuttingedgecuisine.com Our passion for great food served in the most creative manner ensures that every guest will be totally wowed. We take pride in offering custom menus that reflect our clients and what they like. We are constantly seeking out new techniques and trends to share, that keep us fresh on all things food!

Detroit Mini Donut Karen Hudson / (313) 528-6000 detroitminidonut.com Made on the spot, our HOT, FRESH DONUTS are always a hit. Sprinkled with cinnamon sugar (or the topping of your choice), they are bite-sized and will melt in your mouth. The delicious smell will entice your guests to seek out the donut station at your next special event.

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ngmenu Mercurio Foods Phyllis Mercurio / (586) 939-7685 mercuriofoods.com Mercurio Foods is Michigan’s largest concession company, featuring over 40 food trailers and carts. The possibilities are endless: elephant ears, fresh squeezed lemonade, pizza, burgers, corn dogs, candy apples, and more.

Indoors or out – our event professionals are ready to serve YOU really FUN FOOD.

Ruckus Taco Co. Jeremy Kalmus / (843) 814-0041 ruckustaco.com We make taco’s on-site to order or we can create the most fantastic DIY Taco Bar. Cue mouth-watering: Adobe grilled chicken, chorizo+potato, chili-lime cauliflower, pulled pork, carne asada, seasoned ground beef, and achiote shrimp. Tell us where to be and when – we only need 24 hours’ notice!

Two Unique Jim Lenz / (248) 549-5242 twounique.com Your event is unique – one that deserves the creativity, experience, and personal attention of Two Unique! We are dedicated in perfecting the craft of combining food and entertainment. We owe the success or our company to our talented and charismatic team who has been creating delicious and memorable signature events since 1991.

YoFresh Yogurt Mike Anderson / (810) 360-0609 facebook.com/yofreshmichigan Nothing beats a frozen yogurt mobile kitchen.

YoFresh Yogurt Café features 4 flavors and 10 toppings for you to create your own bowl of deliciousness. Our trailer is completely self-contained - set up and serve anywhere!

Rent by the hour, any time of day.

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MODERN ART DESIGN STUDIO AND PARTY RENTALS 2 locations to serve you for all your event rentals, stationery, and gifts.

We provide fine tabletop linens, charger plates, chivari and many other specialty chairs that fit your style.

Custom invitations, hostess gifts, and more.

6682 ORCHARD LAKE RD WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48322 248.325.9560 MODERNARTDESIGNSTUDIO.COM

The greatest interactive entertainers in the country!

Is it a big statement? Yes. And we are prepared to back it up!

The fun starts here. Star Trax MCs, DJs and Dancers are unlike any other. These amazing entertainers care about every detail of your event and bring the magic to every moment.

We provide exceptional experiences that you and your guests will remember forever.

Our customer service can’t be beat. We create the magic - one event at a time.

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Justin Munter Photography

MCs / DJs / DANCERS

The greatest interactive entertainers in the country!

The fun starts here. Star Trax MCs, DJs and Dancers are unlike any other. These amazing entertainers care about every detail of your event and bring the magic to every moment. We provide exceptional experiences that you and your guests will remember forever.

Justin Munter Photography

ADVISORY TEAM

We’re with you every step of the way.

The Advisory Team, a consulting service available to Star Trax clients, is designed to assist in the planning, production and management of your special event. Like any other complex project, creating a great event requires leadership and experience and no other event consulting company has better people or more exposure to events.

PLAN • DESIGN • COORDINATE • MANAGE

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Abby Rose Photo

Abby Rose Photo

VALET PARKING

INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

A private valet experience

The little things make a BIG difference.

Star Trax prides itself on unmatched customer service and satisfaction. With a staff of over 300 valet parkers, we have the ability to handle nearly any size valet job with ease. Forgot your phone in your car - no problem. Need help unloading - happy to get it for you. Do you require a little extra assistance - just let us know. Fully bonded and insured, a Star Trax valet experience is quite simply – AWESOME!

It is all about the fun – and we have plenty of it. With over 75 different activity choices, we are chock-full of extra fun. Fully staffed and managed, we are always ready to go.

It’s not all fun and games… oh wait, yes it is.

Our arsenal includes multiple photo products, interactive takeaways, games, body art, custom clothing, crafts, entertainment, and so much more.

1200 Woodward Heights, Ferndale, MI 48220 / startrax.com / 248.263.6300 / info@startrax.com

by jen ajlouny, star trax events

Trends from Top to Bottom

The best way to ensure a successful event is by enhancing the overall guest experience - a complete immersion into the brand, organization, or guest(s) of honor. Event Professionals have learned that the most effective way to create an interactive, engaging and memorable experience in 2018 is through technology.

Video Mapping This exciting technology has taken the industry by storm. A complete interactive digital experience. It can be utilized in many unique ways to transport your guests into a virtual scene that brings both your theme and event to life. Look for it on interior walls, ceilings, building exteriors, bars and dance floors.

ceilings Look Up and Look Out! Installing a creative ceiling over the dance floor helps center the focus of the room and attract your attendees to this area. From thoughtful art installations, live floral and greenery, programmable light bars and projected imaging - this is one detail your guests are sure to remember.

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dance floors Parquet? No Way! Statement piece dance floors have hit the scene.

You will see mixed designs of black and white acrylic, pixel mapping floors that can be programmed with custom colors and content, full video and “star lit” dance floors that can change colors with the beat of the music – the possibilities are endless.

Brett Mountain Photography

Justin Munter Photography

qr codes QR codes have been utilized in the industry throughout the years to streamline events and manage attendees. Finally, we are seeing this technology used to create interactive experiences. Wearable QR codes - when scanned - can direct you to exclusive content, a promo video, or give clues in a scavenger hunt. These codes can also be placed at each guest’s seat, directing them to a digital menu or offering a personalized message from the guest(s) of honor.

Justin Munter Photography

motion responsive activities Imagine an event with a projected soccer field on the ground that allows guests to kick a soccer ball into the goal. Picture setting your glass down on a bar and causing a digital ripple effect. This technology can sense movement and respond in real time.

This process takes virtual reality to a whole new level.

Justin Munter Photography

Justin Munter Photography

ADVERTISEMENT

MOBILE Party SOLUTIONS e often come across “the perfect venue” for an event … only to later find out that the site lacks kitchen space and sufficient resources needed for catering. While we are always able to find warmers, utility racks, and other basic catering essentials, we could never find a fullyequipped, rentable kitchen. Until we met Kristin Brochert, owner of Trailer Events.

Trailer Events has made it possible for us to bypass what could have been a major event restriction or venue deal breaker and turn the space into a state-of-the art facility.

Originally in the restoration business, Kristin offered a solution for anyone planning a renovation project or an emergency situation that required immediate restoration: a mobile kitchen.

Her clients were mostly schools, summer camps, and nursing homes.

Word got around about these mobile units and it soon became obvious that the private events world could also utilize her brilliant idea of a mobile kitchen. Thus, Trailer Events was born.

We had our solution to hosting events in fantastic venues with little or no kitchen space!

Trailer Events offers a state-of-the-art commercial grade, NSF Approved, and fully licensed mobile kitchen. Each kitchen has a functional floor plan design and includes the necessary equipment to prepare and serve food in a clean, safe, mobile environment.

As Kristin’s business grew, clients began asking for a

specialty trailer for tailgating. State-of-the art and equipped with a stainless-steel refrigerator, microwave, outside gas grill, generator, and private restroom, these specialty trailers offer a convenient mobile party solution.

The trailers are hi-tech with an HDTV monitor, remote, satellite, and Bluetooth capabilities.

In response to increased demand for mobile units, Kristin has added executive restroom trailers to her arsenal. We were fascinated by the beauty and functionality of these units.

With separate entrances for men and women, the restrooms have private stalls, stainless trim mirrored vanities, hand sinks with warm water, LED lighting, and ventilation complete with heating and cooling systems in place. You never know when you’ll be hosting an event in need of additional restrooms – look no further!

Kristin and her knowledgeable staff have taken the stumbling blocks out of hosting events. Their mobile kitchens, specialty trailers, and executive restroom trailers can be used for any event, whether it’s a sophisticated corporate gathering, private occasion, tailgate party, or backyard BBQ. Trailer Events is fun to work with and passionate about perfection and customer satisfaction.

They have you covered from A to Z and will certainly impress you with their capabilities at your next event!

TRAILER EVENTS 1470 Souter Drive, Troy, MI 48083 (855) 388-8300 / trailerevents.com 16

3 must-see attractions.

250 acres of unexpected.

1 awe-inspiring experience.

Book your next big event at: • Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation™ • Greenfield Village® • Lovett Hall • Ford Rouge Factory Tour See why The Henry Ford is the most awarded venue in Michigan. thehenryford.org/host-an-event/

Day of the Party Management

BE A GUEST AT YOUR OWN PARTY BOOK YOUR RED COAT LADY TODAY You’ve planned a great celebration, now leave the DAY OF THE PARTY details to us!

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, First Communions

248.496.4572

www.PartyAssurance.com

Justin Munter Photography

Nothing beats tips from people who plan parties for a living.

Friends and family may offer hand holding and input, but do they really know all the secrets?

From room design and layout to the latest and coolest trends we asked local experts for their guidance. Here’s what they had to share!

Words of Wisdom from the Experts!

Healthy options and small plates are extremely popular now. Choose a beautiful and tasty selection of food that you love. Guests want to eat food on the move – let us show you ways to serve mini meals from a strolling menu.

Julie Herman, Annabel’s & Co. Catering

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Get into the action like never before at our sports bar that crushes the competition!

Whether it’s college or professional, we take sports viewing to the next level. With dozens of TVs, we’re always tuned in to the games you want to watch! We have the best place to Eat, Drink, Play, & Watch Sports in 2018!

Our guest service is exceptional. Our space is unique and can be adapted to every event need. Social events, corporate events, birthday parties, or just for fun! Emagine offers a one-stop shop, including catering, banquet space, and entertainment! You will receive the Red Carpet Experience!

Jennifer Nagle, Dave & Buster’s

Jessica Beard, Emagine Entertainment

Right now, it seems everyone is looking for something new and fun for their guests to enjoy. People tend to talk and interact more while engaging in physical and social activities, and that is why there are so many new fads that come and go.

It can be a lot of work to pull multiple activities together from different companies, and that is why our facility was designed to have it all!

When choosing your venue for your event, make sure to keep your budget in mind.

The trend right now is finding cool “blank slate” warehouses. This is a great option but also requires more than you may think.

Plan on providing everything from garbage cans to forks and everything in between.

You will also need to factor in additional staffing for set up and tear down.

Shannon McConnell, Star Trax Events

You can go from extremely casual to somewhat formal based on the décor and the vibe of the event. We offer four basketball courts just off the lobby which are a great place to customize your dining and dancing experience.

With our curtain system or pipe and drape, you can use less space for a more intimate setting or more space for a spacious layout. The possibilities for your function are endless.

Elaine Matthews, High Velocity Sports

Robyn Leinhos, Joe Dumars Fieldhouse

We often describe ourselves as the “extra wife” for the day. Although we are not party planners, our role is to manage every detail behind the scenes so that you can enjoy the amazing party that you have planned.

The HUB Stadium is a spacious, high-energy, entertainment venue that can turn an ordinary event into an extraordinary experience! We offer private and/or semi-private spaces within our 30,000-square foot facility.

Pat Blackwell, Party Assurance

Michaelena Vassallo, The Hub Stadium

In order to ensure that our customers get the best products and the best service, we make sure that we are committed to those people responsible for delivering results. Because of this, we are steadfast in hiring the greatest people and giving them incredible amounts of freedom.

Geoff Kretchmer, Star Trax Events

Go with your heart and pick what you fall in love with. Many times the difference in price between a “LIKE” and a “LOVE” will not break the bank.

Do everything you can to make your event special and unique to your taste.

Lyle Brous, Fabulous Events

Parking cars is not just a service, it’s a science! Safely parking cars is the easy part. Behind the scenes though, we manage many moving parts, making sure the entire experience for host and guest is completely seamless. You can relax knowing that we are taking care of your vehicle, as if it was our very own.

We have an artist on staff in every specialty. We collaborate to create custom pieces of art and design installations that compliment and personalize any space.

Jenna Urbauer Mandell Display Design

Todd Duggins, Star Trax Valet Parking

Rainbow Foil presents a fun-filled, youthful, and fantastic effect! Mix and match fonts are getting bigger and bolder, especially the use of handwritten fonts.

Franci Hirsch, The Paper Press

People often think of bar or bat mitzvahs as traditional ceremonies that take place at a temple or synagogue. However, off-site ceremonies have become more common. Families are embracing this option in Metro Detroit to get a more personalized and creative ceremony.

Rabbi Jason Miller

Brett Mountain Photography

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-O-SHANTER T TAM COUNTRY CLUB

www.tamoshantercc.org

Masserman Photography

Colton Graub Photography

LET US HOST YOUR NEXT

EXCLUSIVE EVENT

Masserman Photography

NON-MEMBER EVENTS WELCOME!

OUR SERVICES Weddings Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Corporate Events Business Meetings Private Dinners ALL Events Customized to Your Needs!

CONTACT US:

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ABOUT OUR PROPERTY Enjoy the first class amenities that Tam-O-Shanter Country Club has to offer. Tam-O-Shanter is the ideal setting for your family festivities, intimate gatherings, or the standout celebration designed to impress. At Tam-O-Shanter Country Club we welcome NON-MEMBER EVENTS. Contact Marla Spaulding to schedule a private tour of our facility for your next exclusive event.

OUR FEATURES 5 Star Private Club

Pool Cabanas

Renovated Clubhouse

Fine/Casual Dining

Large Space

Championship Golf Course

Email: M a r l a

Spaulding, Private Events Manager mbspaulding@tamoshantercc.org

Address:

5 0 5 1 O r c h a r d L a k e R o a d | We s t B l o o m fi e l d , M I