Our Featured Article in Brides Magazine

As I mentioned before, Olivier Events was featured in the latest edition of Brides Magazine of Florida. What an honor! The editors called on us to give readers an "insider's scoop" on the best locations for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinners. Read the full article below!

You probably won't be too involved in planning your bridal shower, bachelorette party, or rehearsal dinner, but offering a few location ideas will give your relatives and friends a leg up. Here, two wedding planners- Ashly Olivier, of Olivier Events (olivierevents.com) and Kelly McWilliams, of Weddings by Socialites (weddingsbysocialites.com)-share some of their favorite party spots.

Bridal Shower
White Orchid at Oasis, Ft. Myers "This brand-new riverfront venue has an amazing catering company at the helm, so you're guaranteed a wonderful meal" - Kelly Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach "There are a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces at the Sandpearl, so the resort can accommodate showers of all sizes. Plus, you can make a day out of it- there's a spa, a lagoon style pool, and private cabanas, and you're just steps from the gorgeous beach" -Ashly The Birdcage at the ThistleLodge at Casa Ybel Resort, Sanibel Island "This is one of my favorite venues for beach weddings. The private room in the restaurant is beyond gorgeous, and perfect for bridal showers. The space is bright and airy, and you'll have the place to yourselves, as well as an amazing view of the Gulf of Mexico." -Kelly The Terrace Hotel, Lakeland "This historic hotel is a charming venue for a bridal shower. The Lake Mirror Room is a good choice- the space can accommodate up to thirty-five guests and has sweeping views of the lake. It's casual yet elegant." -Ashly

Bachelorette Party
Bacchus, Fort Myers This restaurant is known for amazing food and an extensive wine list. Dine outdoors on the patio or indoors in the swanky, dimly-lit dining space." -Kelly Tampa Improv Comedy Theatre & Restaurant, Tampa "I love the idea of having dinner, drinks and a hilarious comedy show all under one roof. Plus if you're looking to keep the party going, the comedy club is located on the Centro Ybor Strip, which is where most of Tampa's hottest nightclubs and lounges are located." -Ashly Universal Citywalk, Orlando "This is the perfect location for a bachelorette party because of the endless entertainment options- everything from live music to Blue Man Group. There are also dozens of restaurants, bars and clubs, so you can hop from one spot to the next." -Ashly Pearl Lounge, Cape Coral "This spot is a restaurant and a nightclub all in one. It's in Cape Coral, which is a little off the beaten path, but it's the only nightclub where you can also get fantastic food- the sushi is awesome. Spring for a limo-you'll arrive in style and be treated like VIPs." -Kelly

Rehearsal Dinner
Avila Golf & Country Club, Tampa "This venue has the kind of warm, intimate vibe that's imperative for a rehearsal dinner. The grounds have an Old World elegance, and the restaurant serves amazing food. Hosting your rehearsal dinner there is a wonderful way to kick off your wedding festivities." -Ashly The Turtle Club at Vanderbilt Beach Resort, Naples "It's my pick for 'best sunset rehearsal dinners and beachfront events'- there are actually tables right on the sand. It's located between the beaches at The Ritz-Carlton Naples and LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort- so for guests who are staying there, it's close. The food is also amazing." -Kelly Grand Bohemian Hotel, Orlando "This downtown hotel has private spaces for rehearsal dinners of all sizes. Larger parties can be held in one of the ballrooms while smaller events can take place in the Bohemian Garden, located on the roof- the views of the skyline are incredible. The hotel's extensive collection of modern art is a great conversation starter." -Ashly Dolce Vita Restaurant, Sanibel Island "This is the best rehearsal-dinner venue for weddings taking place on or near Sanibel or Captiva. In my opinion, it serves the best Italian food outside of Italy. Plus, there's live music, a huge dance floor, impeccable service- what's not to love?" -Kelly