Wedding Panache NY

Nip/Tuck -Tackling the Guest List

Achieving the almost impossible goal of trimming your guest list is an all time bridal accomplishment, worthy of an award. Follow these tips to guide you and your hubby-to-be through creating your wedding guest list.

* One of the most important first steps is to clearly define your parents' involvement in the wedding. Odds are, if they're the ones coughing up most of the cash for your nuptials, then they're going to be eager to invite everyone on their guest list. And its only proper for the two of you to extend that courtesy. If this is the case, you and your fiance should workout some type of formula for your guests and the guests of your parents, like 60/40.

* Know your budget and how many people you can afford to invite.

* Grab some alone time together and create a list titled "must" and another titled "maybe". Go through the names of everyone you want to invite and add their names to either list. With my experience, 2 out of 10 guests who were added to the "maybe" list, were. . well, let's say they were "eventually sent a wedding announcement". You know what we're trying to say.

* You and your fiance's guest list should be fairly equal, unless otherwise agreed upon.

* Remember to have fun! Try making a sweethearts game out of it! Don't consume or devote your entire weekend together to creating your guest list. It'll only add more stress to an already lengthy planning process.

Trimming your guest list won't be such an agonizing wedding task if you set clear cut rules that apply to everyone! ; (i.e. no co-workers, no third cousins, no friends of a friend, etc.) When you begin to make exceptions, the horrible feelings you were once looking to steer clear of, will begin to surface.

Good Luck!

Yesterday, I came across an article on Bloomberg.com titled, "Brides Kiss Dream Weddings Goodbye as U.S. Recession Takes Over". As a planner, I know that reading anything with a title such as this one, can be intimidating and discouraging, especially for couples who have become victims of our shrinking economy.

Of course, I extend my greatest sympathy towards brides and grooms who have spent $22,000 in venue and catering expenses, only to find out that the banquet hall's owner has filled for bankruptcy, leaving them and their 250 guests, no place to celebrate. Or the brides that paid for gowns right before La Bella Sposa in Charlotte, North Carolina closed for good last June. (Brides have even formed a Facebook group called "La Bella Sposa Victims", dedicated to refunding brides "who were promised the dress of their dreams from La Bella Sposa in Charlotte, NC and were only left with a nightmare.")

If anything, the condition of this economy is teaching us planners, brides and grooms alike, is to clearly define our needs vs. our wants. Question whether we should splurge or save and most of all to be wary. Wary of vendors who may be well aware of their financial status but continue to take money for services they ultimately can't provide. Protect yourself by questioning your vendors and their services. Don't be afraid to ask for refferals or if they have liabilty insurance.

In such an unstable economy, investing in wedding insurance isn't such a bad idea. Wedsafe.com, provides ten levels of cancellation or postponement insurance ranging from $7,500 to $175,000. At this point, I encourage any bride to be safe, rather than sorry.

Achieving the almost impossible goal of trimming your guest list is an all time bridal accomplishment, worthy of an award. Follow these tips to guide you and your hubby-to-be through creating your wedding guest list.

* One of the most important first steps is to clearly define your parents' involvement in the wedding. Odds are, if they're the ones coughing up most of the cash for your nuptials, then they're going to be eager to invite everyone on their guest list. And its only proper for the two of you to extend that courtesy. If this is the case, you and your fiance should workout some type of formula for your guests and the guests of your parents, like 60/40.

* Know your budget and how many people you can afford to invite.

* Grab some alone time together and create a list titled "must" and another titled "maybe". Go through the names of everyone you want to invite and add their names to either list. With my experience, 2 out of 10 guests who were added to the "maybe" list, were. . well, let's say they were "eventually sent a wedding announcement". You know what we're trying to say.

* You and your fiance's guest list should be fairly equal, unless otherwise agreed upon.

* Remember to have fun! Try making a sweethearts game out of it! Don't consume or devote your entire weekend together to creating your guest list. It'll only add more stress to an already lengthy planning process.

Trimming your guest list won't be such an agonizing wedding task if you set clear cut rules that apply to everyone! ; (i.e. no co-workers, no third cousins, no friends of a friend, etc.) When you begin to make exceptions, the horrible feelings you were once looking to steer clear of, will begin to surface.

Good Luck!

Last week I showed you how to use a monochromatic color palette (a single color) to dazzle your guests on your wedding day. This week it's all about choosing a multi-color palette with harmony. Now, just because I say "multi-color", I'm in no way, telling you to have all your bridesmaids line up according to the colors of the rainbow! What I am saying, is that it is very possible to choose more than two colors for your wedding. As long as there is a sense of cohesion and harmony.

The color palette above is a great example of this. Here, I've chosen to use four different colors that manage to stand out, each on their own and yet flow together. (For me it's very reminiscent of a fairytale themed wedding.) You can easily accomplish choosing four harmonizing colors by examining their color relationship on a color wheel. To better understand I'll share with you a simple trick us designers use in any design process.

Take for example, the colors red and green. They sit across from one another on the color wheel, meaning that they are complimentary. Or, in other words, they "flatter" each other. You may not see how red and green compliment each other but as you begin to equal the values (lightness) of each color you'll see that they do. Hence the colors, fuchsia which is a lighter version of red and chartreuse, a lighter version of green!

If you're unsure as to which colors you want to choose for your wedding, take the designers route and explore different color relationships that you think fit you and your fiance's personality.

Looking for an alternative look for your wedding day? Look no further! Modern, chic and sophisticated, the a knee-length cocktail dress is always a hit for spring and summer weddings! The dress pictured to the right is a cocktail dress from Jenny Yoo's Wedding Alternative Collection. The boat neck, the keyhole detail and the bell shaped silhouette works well for brides of all shapes. And best of all, it's only $425! (What a steal!)

This style of dress is also appropriate for brides planning to change in between the ceremony and reception. Since your dress is knee length, why not kick it up a notch and go bold with shoes that match your wedding colors? Nothing screams confidence and center-of-attention than a simple yet chic dress and a bold pop of color at your toes! Like these violet satin shoes by Mee Too for only $88.95 at ! (Do I sense another steal?)

For the brides on the more traditional side, choose a knee length dress with beaded or lace embellishments.

Check out Jenny Yoo's other chic wedding alternatives at JennyYoo.com!

One of the hottest fashion trends of this year has got to be (hands down) bridal headpieces! Originally known as fascinators, these dainty hair accessories are worn mostly to the side of your head and are often embellished with ribbons, beads, feathers, crystals, or flowers and is secured with a comb attachment or with bobby pins.

These stylish hairpieces first appeared on the scene in the early 20th century as everyday fashion accessories. Today, they are making a strong comeback, especially in the bridal industry.

With so many styles to choose from, enhancing the beauty and style of any bridal ensemble isn't the least bit of difficult. Try something new, like using a fascinators instead of a tiara to dress up your head veils. Fascinators add the finishing touch to any look!

Be sure to check out some amazing headpieces @

* www.saragabriel.com
* www.leahc.com (fascinator pictured above)

Of course, we all have our preferences as to what our favorite comfort food is, maybe its mac n' cheese, spaghetti and meatballs or even, cheeseburgers and fries. Whatever the case, I know we can all agree on is its reputation for its lackluster presentation. Giving good reason for most couples not to serve it at their weddings. But wait! Don't toss away the idea all together!

New York and Philadelphia Caterer, Peter Callahan is know for his ability to turn comfort food into enjoyable, tiny bite sized creations, that will have all your guests in a comfort-food-eating-frenzy! Above are a few of his mini-creations that add spunk to any celebration. Visit http://www.callahancatering.com/ for more info.

For those who aren't in the New York or Philadelphia area here are a few tips and tricks to help achieve this catering masterpiece on your own, cut your reception budget, maximize guest satisfaction and serve your beloved comfort food at your wedding!

1. Plan a day to get together with your bridesmaids, friends, future in-laws and
family and let them know that with their help, you would like to cater your own
wedding. (They'll look at it as their wedding gift to you and as a great
opportunity to bond before the wedding!)

2. Jot down any ideas that you think would fit your wedding the style of your
wedding. Remember to be open to input and any new ideas. They are doing this
as a favor after all.

3. Assign who will be responsible for cooking each dish and how much of it you will
need and how each dish will be plated.

4. Before you place a down payment on your venue be sure that you are extended
the option of supplying your own food (which should be prepared by you, your
friends and family ahead of time) and the usage of their kitchen staffs to re-heat
and plate your mini creations. (It may be more helpful to the kitchen staff if you
took a Polaroid of how you would like each dish plated, for their reference.)
Consult with the venue manager regarding upgrading your china to something a
little more modern like porcelain Asian spoons from AmericanBridal.com which
are great for bite sized appetizers and gives a modern touch to any celebration.

5. Arrange for your coordinator or planner to pick up the food and deliver it to the
reception site. Also discuss with your planner what you expect of the venue and
kitchen staff when they are preparing and serving your food, so he or she will be
able convey your message ensuring a smooth flow.

6. Enjoy!