Planning: Thursday is the new Saturday

Just a little note from the planner.

Brides/Grooms and wedding's on a whole have taken on an entirely new life. They have evolved since the days our grandparents exchanged vows and will continue to do so. With this in mind, I want you savvy couples just beginning to get your planning underway to remember one thing " if you book it...they will come".

What this means is, YOU are planning your wedding based on your needs, your desires, your likes, your BUDGET. And with those factors in mind do not be suckered into feeling that you HAVE to get married on a Saturday evening at The Plaza because that is what you "think" your guests will expect. Your guests ( if they truly love, care and wish to celebrate you) will go to a wedding on a Sunday evening, or a Saturday morning, or a Thursday. Wherever your purse strings carry you. Lead with what you want most in your wedding day. Choose your venue based on what matters to you both the most. And if you feel that your desires are waaaaaay out of your budget at the venue of your dreams, don't forget to ask the Sales manager if you can have the wedding there on a Tuesday or a Sunday or a Thursday. You will be amazed at what suddenly becomes affordable when you become a bit more flexible.

PS: If anyone complains about your "flexible" date, I would seriously consider re-evaluating your relationship with that guest. #JustSayin

Pretty Little Things: Junk in Your Trunk pt. Deux

Ladies, do not believe the hype for ONE MINUTE that just because you are a budgetista with a little...okay maybe a lot of Junk In Your Trunk that you have no options. I hear it too many times how plus size brides have to sacrifice style, cost and availability just to find a gown that fits their personality and purse strings. In those situations, I like to direct by brides to David's Bridal...pause for reaction.

Don't be alarmed, the David's Bridal of today is far different from what you are thinking. See...take a look below at some of my faves that David's Bridal has to offer...

Satin Fit and Flare Gown with Bow Detail

David's Bridal Collection

Two In One Beaded Taffeta Gown

David's Bridal Collection

Strapless Printed Organza Soft A-Line Gown

David's Bridal Collection

Two-In-One Layered Organza Fit-and-Flare Gown

David's Bridal Woman

Tea-Length Satin Gown with 3D Floral Details

Galina

Lace Over Charmeuse Gown with Soutache Detail

Galina Signature

Organza Fit and Flare Gown with Bias Flange Skirt

White by Vera Wang

Strapless Faille with Sweetheart Draped Bodice

Oleg Cassini

Strapless Taffeta Ballfown with Bow and Brooch

Cap Sleeved Satin Side-Draped A-Line Gown

David's Bridal Woman

Beaded Tiered Tulle Gown with Sweetheart Neckline

Galina Signature

pssst...all gowns under $1,200

See...what did I tell ya!

Planning: The Bigger The Better?

My latest obsession which I am sad to see end is the show "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" on TLC. Which takes you into the secret lives of Irish Travellers and UK Gypsies and allows us to witness a first hand view of their weddings. And oh what a wedding.

When it first premiered I watched just to see how ridiculously big the dresses are and all the excess surrounding these nuptials. But as I watched week after week, and even repeats, I couldn't help feel extremely sad for these group of people who are constantly judged and discriminated against. As a group of women raised mostly uneducated they have two goals in life; to be housewives and to be a princess on their wedding day with a massive wedding gown. And to keep this dream alive they plan with concern that they may experience cancellation after cancellation. I can't help but to feel sorry for them. I mean how would you like it if you were planning a wedding worrying that your venue will cancel on you because of who you are. Maybe it's the planner in me that wants everyone to have a happy wedding day no matter WHAT happiness means to the individual.

Discrimination aside, I am mesmerized at how these young (and I do mean young...even 15/16yr) ladies are so enamoured by being a princess for a day. HUGE Gowns they can barely walk in, horse drawn carriages, castle cakes, mini brides, bridesmaids dresses the size of a small NYC apt and bling for days. The bigger the more extravagant the better. It makes you wonder, if Travellers and Gypsies are supposed to be so "financially challenged" how the heck do they afford these weddings?

Take a look at some of the extravagance I referred to:

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(actually a rare non traveller that married a traveller)

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Guess what I am going to be this Halloween:)