By Alexandra Proko

I plan a lot of events every year, many of which are weddings. When I first got started in the industry, it was easy to gravitate towards weddings because they seemed more colorful and creative.

As it turns out, that feeling was shared with many other industry professionals in the area. These events have a stigma. There’s no denying it. You hear about a corporate event and your mind is flooded with visions of black suits, coffee and AV equipment.

In a word? Boring.

You go to weddings because they are exciting. You go to meetings because you have to.

When I work with couples that are planning their wedding day, we continue to bring elements of their love story and bits of themselves into the aesthetic and overall experience. It is my goal to help merge the creative personality that a wedding can evoke and bring those same elements into a corporate event in a way that suits – no pun intended – the setting.

I would like to encourage those of you in a more formal climate to allow the opportunities where your team gets together to be unexpected. Not only will putting your group in a creative environment invite them to think out of the box during brainstorming sessions, but it takes some of the pressure off of the workday without compromising productivity.

Much as I do, try looking to weddings or other social events for cues on how to spice up your event whether it’s in the office or for the office and hosted elsewhere.

A few of my favorite – and easy- ways to do this are with design. Weddings are known for their stunning centerpieces, and Chester County is budding – alright, pun intended this time – with talented florists who can create a show-stopping piece that’s unique to your event, company or milestone. Trust me on this. If you give a creative the opportunity to get creative, they’ll deliver.

Think outside of the box with assigned seating by displaying everyone’s assignments – perhaps this goes beyond seating – in a themed or branded way with a corresponding and equally exciting place card at the table.

Speaking of tables, don’t be afraid to use food to make a statement either. In the wedding world, couples often worry about serving the dreaded “chicken, fish or beef” options and the reality is that even these simple favorites get amped up anymore.

Put together a flavorful vegetarian or vegan menu for an unexpected twist on the usual lunch. Create a signature drink – with or without alcohol – with infused or shaped ice cubes.

Boring, they say? Go ahead and prove them wrong.

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Alexandria Proko is the founder and creative director of Alexandria Catherine Events, a Chester County special events planning company. Her work is driven by a passion for ceremony, tradition and creating memories. She has been featured and has received accolades from Brides, the Philly A-List, The Big Fake Wedding, WeddingWire, etc. Allie can be reached via email at alexandria@alexandriaprevents.com.