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Celebrations & Gatherings
Celebrations

Need a venue for your wedding or bar mitzvah? Looking for a restaurant that will accommodate 20+ people? Wondering where you can find the best party favors?

Answers
  • Can someone explain "black tie attire" to me, please?
    Finn3goof_small

    "Black Tie Attire", in modern usage almost always means tuxes for men. In more traditional times (or even particular places) it can mean just a black suit but really we are probably talking tux.

    In Seattle it may very well just mean no jeans and t-shirts. I swear there is a different standard for dress here. Back in New York it would absolutely mean a tux or, perhaps, a very nice formal suit. No question.

    White tie is much more specific and in all my advanced years of rubbing elbows I have only been to two white tie events.

    Women can wear a fancy cocktail dress (VERY fancy and NOT AT ALL trashy!) or an elegant evening gown. Black tie for women does infer more of an emphasis on jewelry, however. Expensive jewelry. If you don't have it and/or can't afford it, borrow it or rent it. This is when you want to drip with diamonds. White tie for women would mean an evening gown only.

    Unicorn headpieces are probably out but, again, this is Seattle so maybe if you go with a faberge-ish horn you may be OK.

  • What're the closest amusement park-style rides to the Seattle area?
    Card_small

    There's a carousel at Pier 57 on the Waterfront.

    According to http://www.rollercoastersofthepacificnw.com/currentcoasters.html , Wild Waves/Enchanted Village is probably your best bet. Remlinger Farms may be slightly closer, but seems about as inconvenient.

    To figure out carnivals, it would be helpful to know when your birthday is...

  • What should we do to recognize the third anniversary of the creation of Questionland?
    Wa_usa_small

    Kegger on a boat, Kegger on a boat, Kegger on a boat!! You can rent the MV Skansonia on Lake Union for about $2600 for a 5 hour party http://skansonia.com/#2 I don't know if anybody really wants to front the cash for that though.

    Alternatively, we could all show up at Colman Dock at an agreed-upon time and take the ferry to Bremerton together, have a beverage and mingle onboard during the 1 hour cruise, turn around and come back. All that costs is $7.50 per person round trip, plus the cost of your beverage of choice (Coffee is about $2, beer/wine is $5 or $6). The schedule for April 1 isn't published yet, but when it is it will be here: http://wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/

    I'm a saltwater kid. My first instinct is always to party on a boat.

  • Make-up and hair products that will last throughout a wedding?
    Prof_small

    The key is layering products, start with a primer (smashbox photo finish or Korres anti-aging are favorites) then apply foundation, followed by concealer and powder. Also use an eye primer- MAC painterly paint pot applied over the entire lid before eye makeup will keep everything on all day and night.
    Carry a lipgloss for touch ups, my favorites for long lasting shine are by Armour and MAC. NARS blushes last forever and can be layered for a perfect flush (err on the side of a little more blush, photography can often lighten the skin in photos)
    As for hair, curl all of your hair and wait until it is completely cool to break up waves with fingers, then spray a flexible hold hairspray (loreal elnett in the gold bottle) from underneath into the curls while lifting the hair with fingers, this holds the entire curl and not just the top. Then keep your hands off! The more you touch the hair the faster it will fall.

    Good luck and i'm sure you will look beautiful :)

    You can also check out my makeup tutorials on my youtube channel here:
    http://www.youtube.com/user/JENNYBOWKERMAKEUP

  • DIY Bridal veil??
    24601_396786103856_596658856_4037100_6320993_n_small

    Here's some good detailed instructions-
    http://offbeatbride.com/2010/09/diy-mantilla-veil

    and a great quickie video for encouragement-
    it looks as if she really does make the veil in 2 minutes!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOVgjlHtGN8

    You should take a crack at it. It's not very hard, and will be a lot more special than buying one off the rack. Lace can be expensive, so measure the length and width of the veil you want carefully before buying. It's also a little easier when sewing the lace on to sew it 1/2" in from the edge of tulle, and go back and trim the extra tulle off later. That will keep the tulle from stretching out too much and the lace from sliding off the edge.
    Good luck!

  • Am I a jerk for wanting a "real" wedding?
    Headshot_small

    First off, I don't think you should be so hard on yourself. Weddings mean different things to different people. I think you might think it's about your ego, but I doubt that it is that simple. To me, the most memorable weddings bring together all of the friends and family that will support a couple as tackle the more difficult task of marriage. It sounds like you and your husband faced substantial odds in getting just the two of you together. Perhaps that is part of your grief, that you never got the feel the collective love of your well wishers.

    Whatever your reasons for wanting a wedding, life is just too short not to remedy those regrets that can be remedied. Have the wedding. My one caution is this: the parts and pieces of the wedding do not make the wedding. Don’t focus solely on them and don’t expect perfection. You will have to let go of the idea that this will replace the stressful set of circumstances that brought about your court house wedding. And you may find the perfect dress but it might pour down rain on your big day. Be gracious with yourself and with others. Spend some time thinking about how to include your friends and families and what kind of sentiment you want to express. Ultimately, those are the things that will be remembered.

    Best wishes to you.

  • Recommendations for a wedding songs?
    30924_909704073688_10708186_49537662_2449548_n_small

    Walking down the aisle (recessional): Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros "Home"

    First Dance: Magnetic Fields "You're My Only Home"

    Two of my favorite non-traditional wedding songs to incorporate!

  • wedding venue locations in Seattle for a small party?
    Kalakala_small

    I'm coming into this late, but here are some of my favorites:

    Alki Bathhouse: Sweet vintage event space right on the beach.

    Center for Wooden Boats: Neato floating building on South Lake Union.

    Lewis Hall at All Pilgrims Church: Turn-of-century ballroom in the all-are-welcome church on Broadway -- VERY reasonably priced ($300 for full-day rental).

    The MV Skansonia: Ferry-turned-event space next to Gasworks Park. You have to order catering with the rental, but there are significant off-peak and midweek discounts, and the food is pretty good.

Questions
Recent Comments
  • Comment on marymc's answer…
    Spaceship_small

    One of my worst experiences was showing up for a wedding, and finding all the DJ sound system equipment there... lps, cds, speakers, cords, power plugs, Turntable, CD player...everything except for the mixer/amp, which they had left back at the radio station...90 minutes away! They had scribble a note and drove off as fast as they could. The bride turned to me and said, "You're a DJ, aren't you? How can you let them do this to me? Can't you fix it?" I couldn't.
    Her friends got in their car, drove to their appartment, pulled their Wards stereo combination tuner, turntable and speakers off their shelf and came back within 15 minutes to start playing music.
    The DJs arrived out of breath 90 minutes late and played their system for two hours beyond what they were contracted for.

  • Comment on Malcolmxy's answer…
    Yosemite_ariel_small

    Hey...even I like doing the YMCA at a wedding, so it's hard for me to diss it too much, but I would get ridiculously sick of it if I had to do it at a wedding every weekend.

    I'm not a DJ, but I know a couple prominent DJs in the area (who shall remain nameless, lest they will beat my ass for associating my behavior on this site with them), but that's more of a club DJ vibe, associated with a certain genre of music. It's a whole different game.

    It is Seattle, so I would have to guess that there is a market for snobby people who want a certain vibe at their weddings (reggae, in and of itself, might be a genre that could sustain a business), but who knows? In the end, everyone likes doing the YMCA at a wedding, right after they get drunk and try to nail the maid of honor/best man.

    I have no specific experience with what you're trying to do, but I was in the service industry throughout high school and college, and what you're talking about is a combination of service and entertainment, and the service aspect is going to be the thing that serves you best, I think.

    I'm just a huge fan of turntablists, and ISP, in particular. Their show at Art Bar (at the time...I have no idea if it's still Art Bar, or if there's even a bar at its former site) put the largest, shit-eating grin on my face for the longest sustained time that expression has ever graced my mug.

    Personally, if I were you, I'd try to get hired on at a place that has a stable of DJs that they use for these events so that you can do it a few times and see if you truly like it, because DJing for other people (I've done it a couple times, but only for friends, and I am not a DJ of any skill whatsoever) is a hell of a lot different than messing around at home with the technics you picked up at Goodwill and the cross fader you decided to buy from Radio Shack last month (or, this is how it went for me when I had dreams of ruling the world with my pirate radio station, lo those many years ago.)

    Regardless of what you do, I wish you luck. It takes balls to even attempt to build a business doing something they love. Get out there and kick a little ass, but do it with a little knowledge of what you're getting yourself into 1st...

  • Comment on BarbieHull's answer…
    418384_small

    Yeah, I definitely want to avoid the cracking of jokes and being overly invasive during weddings/events. It is about the customer overall. Thank you for the input!

  • Comment on Malcolmxy's answer…
    418384_small

    Hey Malcolm, have you done it yourself? I actually have not yet, so I am curious what the line of work is actually like. The business I want to start would focus more on customers that really care about music at their event/wedding, and aim at people who don't exactly want typical stuff and do not want a cheesy DJ. But maybe there isn't enough of a market for that sort of business. It isn't that I am not willing to do more typical events, as I am not a snob (mostly), but I do want to distinguish myself. Thanks for the terse input!

  • Comment on marymc's answer…
    418384_small

    Why would anyone would do that? That is messed up, and I certainly would never do that.

  • Comment on infernactual's answer…
    Ava_small

    the seattle asian art museum isn't exactly cheap -

    http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/SAAMrentals.asp


    --Weddings, receptions, or corporate events; meetings and other gatherings can be held in the Garden Court, 219-seat auditorium or board room.

    (really anything other than the garden court sounds booooring who wants to get married in the board room) according to the pdf court is $1500 facility fee, $750 security fee and if there is any audio/vis assistance $200 (the reason the security fee is so high is that this area actually has art, drunk people plus ancient art not a good mix for insurance companies. i attended a wedding in the toledo art museum and for some messed up reason part of the reception was in the glass art wing, i spent most of the time there shooing little kids away from the large fragile pieces that were brightly colored and drew them in like moths. of course the ones closest to the ground didn't have a vitrine for some reason, it was the worst idea ever)

    --we can accommodate events with as little as two weeks' notice. A deposit is required to reserve your date with the balance due five days before the event.

    doesnt sound like you'd be able to cancel if the weather is good for your flash mob...at least not without loosing the money. also since this is the entrance to the museum you have to work with their schedule (ie when the museum is not open, and if your date is a thursday they are open till 9 pm every thurs)

    while it might be a good spot for a wedding if you're going the more traditional route i don't think it will cover more than #1 and #3 which sound like they're not as important to you as #4 which will definetly get squelched. i think you can find somewhere in town for less than 2,500 that would be more flexible with your wishes. you didn't say the size of your wedding party (aside from flash mob) that might help find an appropriate place

  • Comment on internet_jen's answer…
    Cats_small

    oh - that would be a mood killer

  • Comment on internet_jen's answer…
    Jane_small

    I would only consider this if you don't mind your wedding smelling like pee.

  • Comment on Sacrelicious's answer…
    Subcultureoftwo_small

    Russ! I screwed up last week and made plans to go to Emerald City Comic Con with a friend that day. I'm going to take an hour and scoot down to the Seattle Center on the Monorail, though. See you there!

  • Comment on Tracy M's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Please do come, it would be great to meet you.

    QuestionLand Birthday Meetup

    Sunday, April 1st
    1:30 pm
    Seattle Center - International Fountain
    **Look for the Gnome**

    If weather is terrible (no Gnome to be seen),
    go to Seattle Center House Starbucks

    We will meet up and decide where best to go from there.

    Preparations/renovations are underway for the big 50th anniversary of the World's Fair which will begin April 21st and extend six months to October 21 (just like the original fair).

    By the way, I am told that April 1st will be the first day the International Fountain will be running this year.

  • Comment on Marty Unger's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    QuestionLand Birthday Meetup

    Sunday, April 1st
    1:30 pm
    Seattle Center - International Fountain
    **Look for the Gnome**

    If weather is terrible (no Gnome to be seen),
    go to Seattle Center House Starbucks

    We will meet up and decide where best to go from there.

    Preparations/renovations are underway for the big 50th anniversary of the World's Fair which will begin April 21st and extend six months to October 21 (just like the original fair).

    By the way, I am told that April 1st will be the first day the International Fountain will be running this year.

  • Comment on e.strange's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    QuestionLand Birthday Meetup

    Sunday, April 1st
    1:30 pm
    Seattle Center - International Fountain
    **Look for the Gnome**

    If weather is terrible (no Gnome to be seen),
    go to Seattle Center House Starbucks

    We will meet up and decide where best to go from there.

    Preparations/renovations are underway for the big 50th anniversary of the World's Fair which will begin April 21st and extend six months to October 21 (just like the original fair).

    By the way, I am told that April 1st will be the first day the International Fountain will be running this year.

  • Comment on Sacrelicious's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    QuestionLand Birthday Meetup

    Sunday, April 1st
    1:30 pm
    Seattle Center - International Fountain
    **Look for the Gnome**

    If weather is terrible (no Gnome to be seen),
    go to Seattle Center House Starbucks

    We will meet up and decide where best to go from there.

    Preparations/renovations are underway for the big 50th anniversary of the World's Fair which will begin April 21st and extend six months to October 21 (just like the original fair).

    By the way, I am told that April 1st will be the first day the International Fountain will be running this year.

  • Comment on unclevinny's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    QuestionLand Birthday Meetup

    Sunday, April 1st
    1:30 pm
    Seattle Center - International Fountain
    **Look for the Gnome**

    If weather is terrible (no Gnome to be seen),
    go to Seattle Center House Starbucks

    We will meet up and decide where best to go from there.

    Preparations/renovations are underway for the big 50th anniversary of the World's Fair which will begin April 21st and extend six months to October 21 (just like the original fair).

    By the way, I am told that April 1st will be the first day the International Fountain will be running this year.

  • Comment on Sphinx's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    I do hope you will come, it would be wonderful to meet you.

    QuestionLand Birthday Meetup

    Sunday, April 1st
    1:30 pm
    Seattle Center - International Fountain
    **Look for the Gnome**

    If weather is terrible (no Gnome to be seen),
    go to Seattle Center House Starbucks

    We will meet up and decide where best to go from there.

    Preparations/renovations are underway for the big 50th anniversary of the World's Fair which will begin April 21st and extend six months to October 21 (just like the original fair).

    By the way, I am told that April 1st will be the first day the International Fountain will be running this year.

  • Comment on asteria's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Duplicate comment.
    Elf, Please remove this.

  • Comment on asteria's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    QuestionLand Birthday Meetup

    Sunday, April 1st
    1:30 pm
    Seattle Center - International Fountain
    **Look for the Gnome**

    If weather is terrible (no Gnome to be seen),
    go to Seattle Center House Starbucks

    We will meet up and decide where best to go from there.

    Preparations/renovations are underway for the big 50th anniversary of the World's Fair which will begin April 21st and extend six months to October 21 (just like the original fair).

    By the way, I am told that April 1st will be the first day the International Fountain will be running this year.

  • Comment on unclevinny's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    The fun part is when you are presented with a group of folks (not having any idea of the individual identities) and start making introductions. My own identity may not be as hidden now that half my face is visible in my avatar.

  • Comment on Sphinx's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Cool!

  • Comment on asteria's answer…
    Min-wage_small

    Wow Russ - I didn't realize I had such power in QLand! I suggested the change in the question wording because I think it's hard to organize a gathering with the Qland format, and I didn't see very many responses. I wasn't expecting someone to change it without your approval.

    It does seem like QLand has been quieter lately - I seem to recall when others have tried to organize QLand meetups in the past that there were more responses. Maybe people are just waiting for someone to make a decision as to time and place, and then they'll show up?

    I do like Seattle Center, I haven't walked around there for awhile so I can't recall what indoor spaces would be available to meet for free. The Center House has a mall-type vibe, but I think it's been remodeled recently so it might be a good spot.

    Thanks for organizing this!

  • Comment on Sacrelicious's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Great!

  • Comment on asteria's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Thanks, Marty. You might want to put in the initial quotation marks before the word, Who's. Remember the overall formatting.

    Asteria et al,
    I wrote the folks at the Seattle Center to see if they had a recommendation where we could meet, sit and talk - if the universe does not provide beautiful Spring weather and sunshine to enjoy outside. I will let you know what they say.

    I am open to other suggestions also. The main point in picking the SC was just that it is a definitely known landmark, great place outside on a good day, and I thought there might be the possibility of an indoor spot if it wasn't so great outside.

    Anyone that is coming for sure, maybe considering this and just not posting (or even on the fence) be sure to check back here a couple of days before the event to find out the final determination on the rendezvous point - weather issues will be more well defined then also.

  • Comment on asteria's answer…
    Photo_small

    Oh dang! Sorry about that Russ. I forgot that my admin editor strips line breaks. I think I have it fixed now. I can also modify the title if you want since I used asteria's suggestion with your picture next to it. Should have checked with you first. Marty

  • Comment on asteria's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    I wasn't in complete agreement with you when I read your suggestion to rewrite the question. I think that anyone that doesn't take the time to read the questions posted on Qland (certainly not a high rate recently) wouldn't be that enthused to attend the gathering anyway.

    I wrote the Elf and asked what he thought and the question was then edited without any additional discussion. Oh well.

    All of the paragraph (carriage returns) formatting disappeared so it is all run together and the link for the International Fountain is no longer active, so cut and paste activity is now required if you want to see it. Anyone just scanning it will pick up 'Bremerton' and probably stop there.

    Now people really have to read the whole thing to understand it.

    In a few days if there is no response I may just request that the whole thing be deleted from the forum.

  • Comment on Russ Campbell, NWEBS's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    There is lots of extra film and info about the story as part of the extras on the DVD, do watch those also. You get follow up info on the death of Conner (well worth the time), and a visit with Mark Bittner to reunite with the disabled birds that eventually went to The Oasis in Arizona.

    Then there is the book, of the same title (a completely different work). Mark wrote a wonderful book about the flock and the evolution of his relationship with it. The filmmaker, Judy Irving (and his future spouse) heard about him and filmed him near the end of his time with the flock, the book concerns all the years before that (different info altogether) and is quite interesting also.

    The story has continued with information about the discovery of the cause of the disease that gave some birds such control problems with their muscles (and eventual death) and later ramifications of the fame of the flock and how people went to see them and caused more problems. Eventually laws were passed to keep people from feeding the flock (fully supported by Mark Bittner).

    Lots of info and photos at:
    http://www.markbittner.net/

  • Comment on Russ Campbell, NWEBS's answer…
    Photo_on_2011-05-23_at_16

    BTW, I watched the Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill that you recommended to me a few months ago. Loved it so much I watched it two days in a row! Thanks!

  • Comment on Tracy M's answer…
    Photo_on_2011-05-23_at_16

    Thanks!

  • Comment on Tracy M's answer…
    Photo_on_2011-05-23_at_16

    Thanks!

  • Comment on Russ Campbell, NWEBS's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Not really. Any good formal rental wear concern will do a great job with fit and coordinated separates. I have never been disappointed, when staying with the classic looks.

    My outfit was cobbled together with parts from the big costume shop in Seattle ( http://www.vintagecostumers.com/index.jsp )
    along with formal slacks rented from a local high end men's and women's clothing store in Auburn (Rottles). I paid more for renting the slacks than the vest, hat, coat and shoes combined.
    The tie and the cane I carried came from the great gentleman of the couple that owned the bed and breakfast we stayed at, strictly serendipity. It all looked great.

    Show up for the April 1st Qland 3rd Birthday gathering and I will show you a few photos.

  • Comment on Russ Campbell, NWEBS's answer…
    Photo_on_2011-05-23_at_16

    Great advice about coordinating outfits.
    Do you have any experience with tuxedo rentals in Seattle? I have definitely found a lot of places, but if you have any recommendations, that would be wonderful.