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Yes, Themed Events Still Work: Here’s How to Make Them Matter in 2026

Do: Start with your event objective. Before you choose a color palette or concept, clarify what success looks like. Is this about internal culture? Client engagement? Donor retention? A theme should support that outcome, not distract from it. A well-aligned theme helps guests emotionally engage with the purpose of the[...]

The ROI of Delight: How to Measure the Impact of Meaningful Experiences

In experiential marketing, there’s a growing awareness that the best events aren’t the biggest or the loudest; they’re the most meaningful. The ones where even non-joiners participate, stay the whole time (or longer than usual), take photos to show their coworkers, or post on social. Most importantly, the ones they[...]

A Short, Sparkly History of Glitter

From ancient beetles to high-glam tattoos—how humans have always needed a little shimmer. Let’s talk about something deeply important. Something enduring. Something sparkly. Glitter. Yes, glitter. Before it became the thing you’re still vacuuming out of your carpet after your niece’s birthday party, glitter was sacred, powerful, even mystical. It’s[...]

Interactive Gifting: The Secret Weapon Event Planners Are Loving

Why hands-on experiences are replacing traditional swag... and what it means for your next event. Event swag is evolving. Smart planners are no longer handing out pens and tote bags. They’re crafting unforgettable moments of engagement... ones that guests can see, touch, create, and take home. Welcome to the era[...]

From Blank to Branded in 90 Seconds: Why Live Engraving Is the Luxe Touch Corporate Events Can’t Get Enough Of

In a world where generic giveaways blur together, today’s most successful corporate events are shifting toward something more intentional: personalization with presence. It’s no longer enough for guests to walk away with a gift. They want to feel seen, delighted, and remembered. That’s where live engraving enters the room. Imagine[...]

Designing for Memory: How Scent Branding Deepens Guest Experience and Extends Brand Impact

At a fundraising gala, we were asked to design a scent that reflected the organization’s mission: rebuilding with dignity and care. We created a blend of eucalyptus, bergamot, and lavender—clean, steady, and calm. Not too flashy, not too floral. At the event, guests could fill and label their own room[...]

The Psychology of Customization: Why Experiential Branding Leaves a Lasting Impression

There’s a difference between attending an event and being part of it. When guests get to create, choose, or personalize something meaningful, they don’t just remember the moment. They feel it. That’s where the psychology of customization comes in. At Laine Too, we specialize in interactive event entertainment that puts[...]

Ode to the Espresso Martini: The Cocktail That Means Business, Pleasurably

After a full day of conferencing, breakouts, coffee cups, and corporate small talk, your guests don’t want a dry handshake and a lukewarm Chardonnay. They want a moment. A reset. Something that says: you’ve arrived at the fun part. Enter the espresso martini. It's crisp, smooth, bold, and just sweet[...]

How to Plan a Gala That Truly Glitters: A Guide to Creating Unforgettable Evenings

Planning a banquet, charity auction, or nonprofit event is no small feat.  Between fundraising goals, guest lists, sponsorships, and creating an evening that’s both elegant and engaging—it’s easy to get lost in the logistics. While there is no "one and only guide" on how to plan a gala, we’ve helped[...]

The Art of the After-Game: Why Leisure Deserves a Comeback

The following is a love letter to our friends who plan country club events, host golf fundraisers, and/or are slowly but surely getting into pickleball... For centuries, sport wasn’t just about the competition—it was about the ritual surrounding it. The Greeks didn’t train and compete in isolation; they recovered in[...]

What Corporate Event Planners Can Learn from Bar/Bat Mitzvahs—And Vice Versa

Corporate event planners, take note: The best lessons on engagement, interactive entertainment, and branding don’t come from business conferences… they come from Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. Mitzvahs master high-energy atmospheres and personalization. Corporate events bring strategy, branding, and structured flow. The best planners borrow from both worlds to create seamless, high-impact experiences.[...]

Add Sparkle and Style: How Body Art Can Elevate Your Big Day

Your wedding day is all about celebrating love, connection, and unforgettable memories—and what better way to make it shine than with elegant, customized body art? Whether you’re the bride, groom, part of the wedding party, or a guest, temporary body art adds a unique, glamorous twist that brings a little extra magic[...]

Beyond the Dance Floor: Unique Wedding Reception Activities for All Guests

While dancing is a reception staple, not every guest wants to hit the floor—and that's okay! Weddings bring together a diverse group of people, and sometimes, the idea of bumping and grinding isn’t for everyone. Whether it’s older relatives, kids, or friends who prefer a quieter celebration, offering interactive, engaging[...]

7 Ways to Pamper Your Bridal Party and Make Them Feel Fabulous (and Photo-Ready)

Your bridal party is made up of the people who mean the most—your ride-or-dies, your biggest cheerleaders, and the ones standing by your side on the most important day of your life. They deserve to feel just as fabulous as they are! It's time to pamper your bridal party! Whether[...]

Deliver Lipsmacking Fun with Unique Conference Giveaways | The Lip Balm Bar at ABA Bank Marketing Conference

In an exhausting whirlwind of conference booths and swag bags, how do you make sure your giveaway stands out? Offer unique conference giveaways that attendees won’t just take, but use regularly! At this year’s ABA Bank Marketing Conference in Chicago, we were delighted to deliver exactly that with our crowd-favorite[...]

Surprising Mitzvah Party Favors Your Guests Will Love (Plus – Some They Make Themselves)

Gone are the days of basic goodie bags—today’s mitzvah favors are all about creativity, personalization, and a little bit of surprise. Here are some unique and memorable favors your guests will love, including some they can even make themselves!

Event Planning Tips for a Gorgeous Gala

Fundraising galas are gaining more and more traction in the nonprofit world. These celebrations act as a great way to bring the community together and showcase your cause. Check out some of our top tips to throwing a noteworthy fundraising gala this winter. Opt for a unique venue: Winter is[...]

Moms Rule! Unique Ideas for Your Mother’s Day Celebration

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, offering the opportunity to show mothers, grandmothers, moms-to-be, and important female figures in your life just how much appreciate them. Celebratory brunches and dinners are a time-honored way to honor our mothers. However, if you are looking for an out-of-the-box way to celebrate[...]

Event Trends to Help Your Spring Celebrations Blossom

Spring brings many fresh and season friendly trends to the entertainment and event planning scene. This year expect everything from nature-centered event themes to eclectic and whimsical event designs. There are many creative ways to bring the freshness of spring to your upcoming 2018 event. Check out this years trends[...]

Laine Too’s Melaine Rubin Gets Shout Out in the Northbrook Star!

Laine Too founder and head designer Melaine Rubin was featured in the Northbrook Star’s shout out weekly feature! Thank you Irv Leavitt from the Chicago Tribune for spending some time getting to know Melaine. “Melaine Rubin is a married Northbrook mom and owner of Laine Too, a busy company offering[...]