Planning: How Zilla is your Bride?

The 6th season of WEtv's Bridezilla will air on June 7th 2009 at 9pm/8c. This season is being billed as the "Unforgettable Season". I can't wait to see what is in store. For the life of me, I can not figure out why brides (and some grooms) will go on TV just to out-zilla one another. Some of the antics are really far fetched but I will still be glued to the TV to see how far they go. I am a sucker for any programs about weddings.

As if season 6 isn't exciting enough, Wetv has already begun casting for upcoming seasons of the popular reality show. So in case you are a true Bridezilla and want to share it with the world:

To be considered for your own episode of Bridezillas please send us a 5-10 minute video telling us all the reasons you are the ultimate Bridezilla. Walk us through some of the problems you are having with the planning of your wedding and include your fiancee and any characters from your family or wedding party.

For additional details on applying for WEtv's Bridezilla check their website HERE. If you are the lucky bride that is chosen, you will receive $2,500 and a free wedding video.

***While you are there take the " Are you a Bridezilla" quiz. Mine said I was a Bridezilla but only a soft one...comforting:)***

Planning: Guess Who's Coming For Dinner

Your sweet, sensitive and considerate hubby just called. First to tell you how much he loves you and is honored that you are his wife. awwwww. He also called to tell you, his little buttercup, that he is up for a promotion so he invited his boss over for dinner. Great you say, when? Tonight...TONIGHT!!! what the @#%&*^%... you could kill him. BUT before you continue your tirade, he expressed to you that his boss was disappointed he was not able to make the wedding and would love to meet the new Mrs. And not to mention a little extra schmoozing time couldn't hurt his opportunity at a promotion. Also, since he knows his wife is fabulously amazing and always has a entertaining got-it-together attitude, he knew it would be piece of cake. Plus he is sure to make it up to you if you do him this one teensy weensy favor. Okay, since he put it that way, you will oblige...This once...BUT you are still going to kill him

After you finish plotting how you are going to make him pay for this, (Saks, Tiffany's, Jamaica, hmmm), you realize he is right, you are FABULOUS and always got it together. So you get going:


First: Your survey your house...Spotless:

Next: What to wear? You are thinking something simple will do the trick:

Now, to dress your table: Luckily you have not packed away all the wedding gifts you received from your registry:

Your mission is complete. You are ready for your grand entra...oh wait...I almost forgot the menu. For dinner, Baked Teriyake Salmon:

Accented by a glass of wine:

And for dessert, Creme Brulee:

Ding Dong...It's Showtime

Credits:

Nicole Miller Crisscross Bodice Metallic Silk Bubble Dress:Nordstrom;

Martinez Valero 'Wish' Slingback Shoes: Nordstrom; Crystal Collection Earrings: Nordstrom

Table cover: Special Events Linen ; L'Objet Alencon Dinnerware: Horchow

Morrigan Wine Glass: CrystaALcarte; Corsica 65 piece stainless steel Flatware: Horchow

Pretty Little Things: Blooms - A Different Kind of Flower

A few weeks ago I began a series of posts called Blooms. Highlighting flowers of the season (and off season) and showing visual aid of how you can incoporate that flower into your wedding. Well today we are going to flip the script a bit. I found the cutest item on Etsy that I am dying to share and which still keep in line with the Blooms series.

Todays feature is all about clay flowers at Etsy...yeah I said Clay. Not clay as in ceramics class when you sculpted your first coffe mug with mangled handles. I am talking absolutely stunning floral bouquets/arrangements made petal by petal using Claycraft by Deco This is a very light airdry clay wich results in a very authentic looking product. Truly amazing. Okay enough yapping from me, feasts your eyes on these pretty little things:



Fenton Florals

(Rose, Orchid, Calla Lily)

(Rose and Pearl centered Stephanotis)

(Giant Poppy Wedding Cake Flower)

Petals and Paws

(Peach/Coral Rose and Stephanotis)

(Stephanotis/Peridot Crystal Purple Ribbon Bouquet)

(Light Pink Rose and Stephanotis)

Midori Designs Hawaii

(Clematis Roses Hydrangeas Stephanotis)

(Purple Orchid, Rose, Hydrangea)

(Peonies, Gardenia, Tuberose, Hydrangeas)

(Pink Orchid Tea Rose Hand Tied Bridal Bouquet)

Petal By Petal

(Green Chrysanthemum, Yellow Roses and Cream Gardenia)

(Ivory and Lavender Roses, Violet Fressia, Periwinkle Hydrangea )


(Roses, mixed with Freesia and Pansies )

Planning: No Glove No Love

As a little tot, every time my mind dared to wonder about my wedding, there is one constant image that never changed...GLOVES... long white satin GLOVES. I don't know what it is about that simple accessory that can instantly turn a simple dress into a classy elegant gown. Give me a minute I am having a moment... okay I am back. I have poked around the world- wide web and found so many different options for gloves, one to suit every personality, style and depth of wallet. Long, Short, Lace, Buttoned, Colored, Fingerless, and so on. With so many options out there you almost can't go wrong. I said ALMOST. After speaking with a few folks about my mini obsession, there were a few questions that were commonly asked:

How do you choose the right glove?

To achieve success you have to do some test runs. If you have decided that you want to wear gloves and have purchased your gown, try on different style and lengths of gloves with your gown. This way you have a first hand view of what it will look like on the day and will allow you to purchase a pair of gloves that will compliment and not compete with your gown. You may also find that you & your gown will look its best without gloves...that too is a possibility.

What do you do when it is time to exchange rings? Some women will slip off the glove when it is time to exchange the ring, but who wants to stand there with one glove and a gorgeous dress in front of the love of your life. Every moment is a photo op and I don't think the uni-glove look is a good one (on your wedding day). This is where the fingerless gloves comes becomes good option. Even though it is my least favorite of the glove choices, it eliminates the need to have to make an extra decision on top of the already millions of decisions that you have to make while planning the wedding. Another popular option, and my personal choice is to slit the seam of the ring finger on the glove so you can expose the finger to receive your ring at the opportune time... without having the uni-glove look and ensuring that you are prepared for every photo op


Can I wear gloves in the Spring/Summer?
Heck yeah, why not! Sure in the winter it can help with the chill in the air, but in the warmer months, the glove still serves as an elegant accessory. So rock it even if it is 95 degrees outside... I would.

Do I have to keep the gloves on all night?
Absolutely not. You can take them off when you are ready. Preferably after the ceremony, receiving line and portraits are being taken (you may want to take some off if your portraits without the gloves to have a variety). A good rule to remember - when you are ready to bustle the dress, remove the blusher or slip into your comfy shoes, it is time to remove your gloves.

What if I am not getting married, can I still wear the gloves?
Of course, take a page out of Ms. Hepburn's book. Have a few glove test runs before the "big day". Maybe with a cocktail dress or to a black tie affair or dare to be different and hit the latest hot spot with a sexy pair of tuxedo pants a sweetheart bustier w/ matching pair of opera length gloves...hmmmmmmm let's marinate on that.
If your motto is also No Glove, No Love, please remember that wearing them on your wedding day is NOT an excuse to omit a manicure. You HAVE to take off your gloves at some point. And it irks me to see an un-gloved un-manicured ring finger (hands)...yuck!

Pretty Little Things for your Bridesmaids: Handbags

While watching today's episode of Tyra featuring Mr. Opulence; I mean David Tutera, I was reminded of a Pretty Little Thing that I came across while perusing the You & Your Wedding Magazine (May/June 09 issue). I am talking about Floral Handbags. Let me elaborate, this trendy little item is a handbag whose perimeters are covered in flowers. Your bridesmaids will carry them in lieu of a traditional handheld bouquet, and guess what, you can even carry your little items inside. Now how is THAT for practical:)

In case you still have not figured out what the heck I am talking about, I have included some visual aid for you. Feast your eyes on these:

He or She Said - 5-24-09...

"The perfect marriage begins when each partner believes they got better than they deserve"
...Unknown

Planning: Use YOUR voice

Recently I have been in discussions with a few vendors for services for an upcoming wedding. One vendor in particular (who's name and industry I will withhold for obvious reasons) was holding steadfast to rates in their respective field. I truly understood the position that was taken as we in the service business have to maintain a threshold where we feel we are not providing our services for free. But I also understood that my client's position is sticking to the budget. The service fees quoted was a few hundred out of our budget and neither was willing to fold...not yet at least.

Realizing I was getting nowhere with this particular vendor, I decided to switch it up a bit. Instead of continuing to negotiate for lower rates, I began to inquire into additional services/amenities they may be willing to offer to cushion the blow to the wallet. Being that this vendor was such a stickler I neeeeeeeeeeeever thought we were going to get anywhere with this, but surprisingly enough, we both reach a satisfactory agreement. We were offered not one but TWO extra amenities with an approximate value of $350...yeahhh. I am still in shock over this one.

By using my (our) voice, I was able to secure amenities for my client that would have never been received had I not asked. In the end, we spent a little extra here but save far more over there thus still rendering us under budget.

During your conversations with vendors/service providers, always remember to listen to your inner voice and use your outer voice. SPEAK UP!!! You may not always win (by no means am I suggesting that my situation is the norm) however, if you don't try anything you are running the risk of losing out on something...spectacular.

Remember, those in the service business want to make money, and unless you are asking for something totally unrealistic and ridiculous, you two are probably going to walk away from the table reaching a happy medium.

Oh, before I go, ALWAYS make sure all of your additional perks and amenities are clearly stated in your service contract. I would hate for you to be stuck with a vendor that has a sudden case of amnesia.

Pretty Little Things: Blooms - Dogwood Delights

This weeks bloom is the delightful dogwood, also referred to as cornel which blooms early spring. The dogwood has large pink or white flowers that are really petal-like bracts that surround a dense yellowish flower head. Aside from being the state flower for North Carolina and Virginia, at makes for FABULOUS cake decor. Take a look at how dogwood can make its way into the tastiest part of your wedding.

Planning: The Theme Team

I am in the beginning stages of "helping" my cousin plan a baby shower for a friend of ours. I use the word helping very loosely because it will be about two minutes before I take the whole thing over (even though we are in different countries) But for now, I am trying to refrain and leave the planning to my cousin (this is NOT easy).

Anyway, the honored expectant mom is a super duper girly girl, and loves to be well put together, so it is only natural that her baby shower reflects her super chic and fabulous style. To kick things off, the ladies are still trying to decide on a theme so I offered a few suggestions on designing a theme rather than picking a ready made one found in every party store.

I advised her that a theme can come from anywhere. If the mom-to-be loves lollipops, make that the theme. Set up a lollipop candy station, write thank you notes on round labels and affix them to the large round suckers. Use styrofoam, large dowels and colored cellophane to make giant lollipops as room decor. All these are super simple ideas not found in any pre-prepared baby shower ensemble, but they still make a huge impact. I challenged them to be creative and channel thoughts from memories of their relationship with the mom-to-be. Often, themes built from actual events are more memorable for all involved.

Stay tuned for more from this baby shower that I am helping to plan. This ought to be interesting.

Parties: Know YOUR Style...

That was the theme of last night's Bridal Boot Camp hosted by the Wedding Salon at the Harvard Club.

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.

Some other interesting take aways from the evening:

• 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

Parties: Best Wishes to....

CAROLYN

&

STEVE

who will exchange vows during a beautiful sunset beach ceremony in Hawaii...TODAY!!!

Enjoy EVERY second of it guys.

Bridal Boot Camp

Planning: You Tell Me - What is your favorite part?

I watched 27 Dresses for the millionth time yesterday and was reflecting back on the scene where Jane (Katherine Heigl) and Kevin (James Marsden) were sitting in the bar and talking about their favorite part of a wedding. Well if you have seen the movie then you know they both agreed their favorite part is that they always look at the groom to see his face when he first sees his bride. So this started me thinking about MY favorite part of a wedding.

It was hard, very hard narrowing it down to one, but I must say one of my favorite moments is when the bride finally reaches the top of the aisle and her father presents her to her future husband. I love to watch as the groom reaches out his hand to the bride and the bride looks down and holds her dress so she can take that first step into her grooms hands. When she finally takes her grooms hand, she takes that first step towards him and they look into each other's eyes, and then they both smile. Tear,tear, sniff, sniff, sob, I LOVE IT. I find the moment so chivalrous like he is rescuing her from ... EVERYTHING.

What is YOUR favorite part?

Pretty Little Things: Blooms - Amaranthus

This never fading flower ( Greek translation) also referred to as " The Summer Pointsetta" or "Amaranth" may not have stuck you as " the pretty flower" but you can always recognize it in an arrangement. It is usually cascading around the floral centerpiece or bouquet and range in hues from purple to gold and my favorite... greens.

For me, the Amaranthus as one of my top choices for "filler foliage". By simply adding a few Amaranth you can instantly take your arrangement up a few notches on the floral pole. For instance, take a bouquet of black magic red roses. You would consider that to be beautiful right? Now add some hanging Amaranthus and your beautiful bouquet is now exotic...just like that.

Below are photo inspirations featuring this weeks bloom- Amaranthus

Cakes:

Corsage:

Bouquets:

Other Arrangements:

Planning: A Special Guest

One would assume that everyone knows proper wedding etiquette, but judging by some of the sights I have seen lately it is oh so clear to me that some people in desperate need of A Little Bit A' Schooling. Enter JunePlumm aka me. Since I have frequented weddings (both as a guest and as a professional) and pay attention to EVERYTHING, I will use this post as an opportunity to address some embarrassing behaviors and highlight a few notable points. Sadly enough, I have witnessed them all.

1. Répondez, s'il vous plaît!
There is a reason why you are asked to RSVP. The fabulous couple needs to have an accurate headcount to inform the caterer (you need to eat right); the venue/rental company for seating arrangements ((you need to sit right). Plus, it is a pain in the butt for couples to have to track you down to confirm whether or not you are attending. So if you show up and have no place to sit...blame yourself

2. Didn't make the cut?
Let's face it, we are in a recession. So many couples have had to endure the daunting task of trying to decide who to/not to invite to the event. If by some reason you felt that you were close enough to the couple and should have been invited and you were not...SAVE IT. Do not call the couple in a tirade and demand an invite. If you weren't invited the first time, are you really going to satisfy with a pity invite? It is hard enough on the couple to not include friends that otherwise would have been invited, but now to have to deal with the barrage of inquests...not fun. $85-$135 per plate adds up, don't you think they had to draw the line somewhere?

3. Dress Code!
Hawaiian casual does NOT mean wrinkled shorts, bikini top and water shoes. Instead, gents opt for a nice linen button down shirt (the colorful the better), skip the tie and slacks. Ladies, an appropriately cute sundress and swanky strappy heels will do the trick.

4. An Open Bar is not an invitation to get DRUNK!
We all can use a drink here and there but an open bar is not an invitation to see how many shots you can take before you pass out. If the couple is gracious enough to provide you with top shelf, please be respectful and not overindulge. Consider your fellow patrons and know your limit. If you have a 5 drink threshold, stop at 3 and make sure you have a designated driver. Arrive Alive

5. An Escort card is there for a reason!
If you are assigned to sit at table 12. Sit at table 12. Do not take this opportunity to re-assign yourself to table 6 because it is closer to the bar. And most of all, DO NOT complain to the couple that you are not happy with where you are seated and you want to sit with cousin Ben at table 6. This is their day to shine and indulge in becoming the new Mr. and Mrs.. It was stressful enough to figure out where to seat you the first time, the last thing they need the day of is to hear you complain about it. Just be glad you made the cut:)...see # 2

6. Do NOT assume your invites includes a plus 1!
If your invite is addressed to Mr/Ms. Doe, then ONLY Mr/Ms. Doe is invited. If the invite is addressed to Mr/Ms. Doe and guest, then by all means invite the significant other familiar with the couple. Not your barber, mechanic or your hairstylist just so you can have a friend at the wedding. This isn't Gymboree.

7. Keep it to yourself!
If you are close to the couple and they could not stop talking about the super formal and elegant wedding and you show up to a room full of balloons and plastic utensils, try to refrain from discussing your disappointment at the table. If you MUST voice your opinion, do so in the privacy of your own home...better yet save it, it isn't your wedding. And watch the facial expressions as well. What you don't say in words can be clearly read in your eyes...Okay, Okay, I must admit I am still working on this one myself...but I have made significant progress:)

8. Attend to your little ones!
Kids are adorable but NOT when they are flinging lettuce at the table. Everyone understands kids will be kids, but please control your little ones so no has to talk about them..and you for not exercising authority.

9. Do me a FAVOR!
If the couple has placed favors at each place setting, or on a favor table. Help yourself to ONE. Do not pick one for every family member that did not attend or for the entire congregation at your church. By you helping yourself to multiple favors, you are therefore depriving others of there own

10. A Handful at Cocktail Hour?
Okay my last one....for today. If you are at a cocktail reception or at cocktail hour, do not help yourself to 5, 6, 7 mini crab cakes (at one time). Help yourself to 1 maybe two at a time. There are options so you can sample a variety of hors d'oeuvres. If you loved it so much, take 1 now, and then another one the next time it is passed around. Consider your the other guests...Please

Stay tuned for more... but until then, try NOT to be one of these Special Guests

Pretty Little Things: Junk in YOUR Trunk?

Sistah's (and sisters), are you packing a little something extra and not sure where to put it for your wedding day? Well lucky for you, gone are the days of the frumpy full figure one style fits all bridal gown. Now-a days, with more designers embracing the female curves and luxe-ing it up. It is muuuuuch more convenient for you to look AS designed or even more so than your smaller-sister-counter part. See below for a sample of styles that are not only pleasing to the eye but also the figure:

David's Bridal (under $1,000):

Charmeuse V-neck halter dress with ruched bodice. Dropped waist band

with beaded embroidery. Features godlet chapel train adorned with beaded embroidery

Satin A-line gown with beaded embroidered metallic bodice

and inverted V-empire. Cathedral train.

Alfred Angelo (under $1,500):

Chiffon, Taffeta, Lace, Crystal Beading,Sequins & Rhinestone Pin Chapel Train

Net over Satin, Embroidered Lace, Crystal Beading

& Sequins, Pearls, Hi -Low Hemline

TaffetaHug the Shoulder neckline

Chapel Train

Bara Luxe ($1,500 - $4,000)

Style name Juliet in Silk organza pleated mermaid w/ sweep train

Silk organza and silk duchess satin a-line,

beaded neckline and full balloon tiered train

How about that for trunk space:)