Guests at the Boot Camp were privy to inside information and question and answer sessions from notable vendors like Jorge Cazzorla from Celebrate Flowers, Brooklyn's own Betsy from Ninecakes who provided delectable mini cupcakes (my favorite was the raspberry passion). Karuna from KC Make-up, Dean Vali from Bounce Music and Entertainment, Anthony Vazquez from Anthony Vazquez Photography, Victoria and Q from Victoria's Secret, Destination Aruba and the Harvard Club.
Providing insight into their own industry as well as responding to inquiries from participants, almost every presenter had to respond to a question with the answer "know your style". When asked about choosing specific flowers for bouquets and about floral trends, Jorge stated, you have to "know your style". First you find your dress and then he can determine which bouquet to use depending on the style. For instance, if you are wearing a full ball gown style wedding dress, then he would suggest a cascading bouquet because it would compliment the style of the gown. Similarly, when Anthony Vazquez was discussing his craft, he stated that he begins his relationship with the bride by assessing her bridal style. How she wants to feel and the style of the wedding will enable him to determine the style of the photography and the digital effects. To corroborate his views, he provided several visual aids...summation, Magnifique.
This style theme traveled throughout the evening from presenter to presenter and was almost trumped by the other common thread "recession". Everyone is concerned about the current state of the country's finances and how that will translate into putting on a fabulous event. A few notable tips:
- Be honest with the vendor: Don't expect the vendor to know what you are working with if you don't fess up If you have only $5,000 for your florals, then say so. Ask your florist upfront if and how they will work within that budget
Have a realistic budget: If you have a 400 person guest list and a $2,000 budget, don't expect to have a platinum wedding
Cut corners wherever possible: We may not always want to, but if you splurge on photography, maybe you will want to consider cutting out the sugar flowers on the cake and replacing it with fresh flowers on the cake or on the cake table.
- Refrain from salty foods a week before your wedding...says Karuna
- Visine is great for getting rid of pimples...but only for a few hours...also from Karuna
- Have your next Girls night out at the Lexington Avenue Victoria's Secret store ( I will elaborate on this in an upcoming post)
- Consider introducing some of your ethnic roots into your cocktail hour music...says Dean
- 10-10-10 is a popular date to marry next year. If that is your wedding day, book your vendors NOW. Anthony Vazquez states that he has received at least 20 calls for that date alone.
- Stay away from scented flower centerpieces, it interferes with the palette...says Jorge
To sum it up, the evening was lovely. We came, We saw, We drank. Happy Planning
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