Vendor Spotlight: Clementine Custom Events

22 Jan Vendor Spotlight: Clementine Custom Events

Next up for our planner spotlight is Kelly from the fabulous Clementine Custom Events!

Jewell Events Catering: How long have you been in business?
Clementine Custom Events: A little over 5 years.

JEC: In no more than 3 words, describe what your company does.
CCE: Planning, Creating, Logistics

JEC: What is on thing that sets you/your company apart from others?
CCE: Our team started from over 8 years of previous wedding planning experience and everyone on our team is full time and senior level. We have extensive experience planning and producing weddings and we specialize in off-premise events.

JEC: Where does your inspiration come from?
CCE: So many different places!!! Fashion, home decor, restaurants…

JEC: What is one emerging trend for events next year?
CCE: A lot of couples are skipping a few traditions like boutonnieres for the men and just going with pocket squares instead. The food truck concept is gaining even more popularity. Couples are going for soft, neutral colors with a very romantic feel that has a lot of texture, patterns, mixing/matching and some bling too!

JEC: What is the craziest or most fun event you’ve done (No names, just some details!)?
CCE: We had a surprise wedding in 2013 and it was amazing. The guests were invited to the event for a super glam birthday party and really it was a wedding. We went all out! The couple greeting the guests for 45 minutes as a birthday party, we had birthday themed cocktail napkins, a birthday cake, etc…then discreetly the bride changed clothes and the band started playing ceremony music. The guests were literally gasping in surprise they saw her in a wedding dress. After the ceremony everything changed, we brought out a wedding cake, wedding cocktails, wedding napkins. It was amazing!

JEC: What is the one thing you wish everyone knew about your business?
CCE: Wedding planning takes a great deal of knowledge, experience and relies a lot on the relationships you build with talented vendors. You really need to be passionate and self-motivated to work many evenings and weekends and it’s not nearly as glamorous as people tend to think it is…having said that, we have an amazing time creating and brainstorming and participating in floral samples, tastings, etc.

JEC: What is the best piece of advice you can give someone planning an event?
CCE: Take it one step at a time. Focus and cross it off the list. Don’t try and have too many balls in the air at one time. Staying focused on one big project at a time is super helpful so you don’t get overwhelmed. Also, don’t purchase any of the same details until 1-2 months before the wedding. New ideas are coming out all the time and it’s best to wait and be sure you’re getting exactly what you want. Also, it’s good for the budget to wait, all the big vendors will determine how much money you have left in your budget for the smaller details.

JEC: What’s your favorite “hidden gem” restaurant in Chicago?
CCE: Clementine is OBSESSED with Piccolo Sogno. It has amazing food and the most beautiful courtyard ever for outdoor dining.

JEC: What is your favorite part about being in the industry?
CCE: The people. Not only are my couple and their families so amazing to get to know and spend time with…but also the entire industry is filled with creative, fun, energetic people. It is great to spend so much time with inspiring people who share the same dreams and lifestyle we do.

JEC: If you were a type of food, what would you be and why?
CCE: We’d be Clementines! They are colorful, fresh, healthy, cute and perfect to toss into your bag for a quick snacks:)

Thanks again to Kelly at Clementine for taking time to talk with us!!