Sunday, February 28, 2010
Vibrant Cayman Island nuptials
We love tropical destination events and couldn't help but share this vibrant, lovely, and downright fun Cayman Island wedding. Captured by Jim Gates, the images are just so cheery! Enjoy! Aleah
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Nick's Picks: How to get your party started on the right foot
The start of the party is what sets the tone for the rest of the event. Here are my top (simple) tips for getting your party started on the right foot:
1. offer a coat check and/or a gift depository- you'd be surprised how many people don't provide this and it leaves your guests carrying bags and coats while trying to eat, drink + visit.
2. after guests make a deposit at the coat check, have waiters greet them with drinks and hors d' oeuvres. If you're offering up a bar, have waiters at the ready with trays of red wine, white wine, and water. *Don't pre-pour beer - it's best served fresh and cold.
3. the music you start off with sets the initial tone of the party. In most cases we're fans of starting off slower and working in faster/more energetic music as the party progresses.
4. greet your guests. make sure, as the host/hostess, you work the room and thank your guests for attending. This is especially important for a wedding reception.
5. timing is key. If you're hosting an event with significant markers (like toasts, announcements, performances, etc.), make sure that you don't leave your guests waiting...and waiting...Have an emcee make some sort of announcement if there's something to come.
Maybe most importantly, end on a high note. We spend a lot of time explaining to our clients that there is an expiration time on a party. Leave your guests wanting more - and don't let them stick around to watch the breakdown. Cheers!
Nick
*Photo from blog.wineenthusiast.com
1. offer a coat check and/or a gift depository- you'd be surprised how many people don't provide this and it leaves your guests carrying bags and coats while trying to eat, drink + visit.
2. after guests make a deposit at the coat check, have waiters greet them with drinks and hors d' oeuvres. If you're offering up a bar, have waiters at the ready with trays of red wine, white wine, and water. *Don't pre-pour beer - it's best served fresh and cold.
3. the music you start off with sets the initial tone of the party. In most cases we're fans of starting off slower and working in faster/more energetic music as the party progresses.
4. greet your guests. make sure, as the host/hostess, you work the room and thank your guests for attending. This is especially important for a wedding reception.
5. timing is key. If you're hosting an event with significant markers (like toasts, announcements, performances, etc.), make sure that you don't leave your guests waiting...and waiting...Have an emcee make some sort of announcement if there's something to come.
Maybe most importantly, end on a high note. We spend a lot of time explaining to our clients that there is an expiration time on a party. Leave your guests wanting more - and don't let them stick around to watch the breakdown. Cheers!
Nick
*Photo from blog.wineenthusiast.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
Check out the Chic Clutch Hunt Giveaway from Merci New York
Our lovely friend Jackie from Merci New York has whipped up an amazing giveaway on her blog. Here are the details:One lucky reader will have the chance to win a luxurious Amanda Pearl clutch, valued at $298. We're also featuring an assortment of Amanda's other pieces, which are absolutely stunning. She's truly a rising star in the luxury accessories market and someone brides should have on their fashion radar...
Visit the Amanda Pearl website and comment below with your favorite Amanda Pearl piece {it need not be bridal, so have fun perusing her entire line}!
To increase your chances of winning the Le Pouf clutch, there are four additional ways to enter this contest:
1. Tweet this: I just entered to win the @AmandaPearly #chicclutchhunt giveaway at Merci New York! Check it out here: http://bit.ly/doaqQR{via @MerciNYC}. Then leave a second comment once you’ve tweeted.
2. Blog about the Chic Clutch Hunt giveaway {feel free to use our oh-so-pretty giveaway graphic!} and comment with your blog link.
3. Post about the giveaway on a message board and comment with your link.
4. Share the Chic Clutch Hunt giveaway on Facebook and let us know via a comment.
The giveaway winner will be chosen at random and announced via the Merci New York blog on Monday, March 8th at 8:00 PM EST
Be sure to enter and add Merci New York to your daily reads; Jackie has an amazing sense of style and posts great finds often!
Monday Coffee: 2010 stationery trends
We thought it would be fun to get an East Coast take on invitation and stationery trends - Owner and designer Corrie from Invite Couture was kind enough to answer some questions and lend insight to our readers - enjoy!
Q. What new trends are you seeing for 2010?
A: I'm not sure if other designers are seeing this as well, but I've been getting a lot of requests for black and white printed designs. Not only is this palette b
beautiful and works with every color scheme you can think of, but it's also a very economical option as far as printing goes as well. Another trend I'm seeing is the elimination of RSVP cards. Nowadays to save money on their invitations, couples are opting to in addition to their invitations create a wedding website where they allow their guests to RSVP. That eliminates the need to include RSVP cards, envelopes and costly stamps with their invitations. I've always had a lot of requests for pocketfold style invitations. I'm not sure if its still a trend (it was back in '08 when I got married) but nonetheless I still have a lot of brides asking for them.
Q: What advice do you have for couples looking to go "greener" with their invitation suites?
A: One thing I recommend is asking your stationer about the types of stock they use. Invite Couture uses all FSC Certified stocks, meaning the papers we use are produced using trees grown in sustainable forests. Soy and other eco-friendly inks are also popular, but another printing method which is worth asking about is digital offset. Digital printers use less chemicals during the printing process and are much more eco-friendly than other methods, as well as economical. My final tip for creating greener invitations would be to pare down the number of pieces you include in your wedding stationery suite. For example, if you don't need them don't include a bunch of insertion cards in your invitation suite. The trend I described above referring guests to a wedding website allows you to up additional information on the web as opposed to wasting paper and ink. Same goes for items like escort cards, menu's, etc at your reception. Instead consider doing signage instead of printing an item for each guest. You'll save money as well as the environment as well.
Q: What is your favorite color palette for 2010?
A: I love the turquoise trend. It can be used so many different ways and get totally different effects. For example, for a ranch wedding you can pair turquoise and silver like southwestern jewelry. Or for an South Asian wedding do turquoise with a variety of jewel tones. For a modern city wedding turquoise, gold and cream would be especially classy. Because it's such a strong color I love all the different combinations you can create with it.
There you have it!
Happy Planning, Aleah + Nick
A few pieces from Invite Couture
Q. What new trends are you seeing for 2010?
A: I'm not sure if other designers are seeing this as well, but I've been getting a lot of requests for black and white printed designs. Not only is this palette b
beautiful and works with every color scheme you can think of, but it's also a very economical option as far as printing goes as well. Another trend I'm seeing is the elimination of RSVP cards. Nowadays to save money on their invitations, couples are opting to in addition to their invitations create a wedding website where they allow their guests to RSVP. That eliminates the need to include RSVP cards, envelopes and costly stamps with their invitations. I've always had a lot of requests for pocketfold style invitations. I'm not sure if its still a trend (it was back in '08 when I got married) but nonetheless I still have a lot of brides asking for them.
Q: What advice do you have for couples looking to go "greener" with their invitation suites?
A: One thing I recommend is asking your stationer about the types of stock they use. Invite Couture uses all FSC Certified stocks, meaning the papers we use are produced using trees grown in sustainable forests. Soy and other eco-friendly inks are also popular, but another printing method which is worth asking about is digital offset. Digital printers use less chemicals during the printing process and are much more eco-friendly than other methods, as well as economical. My final tip for creating greener invitations would be to pare down the number of pieces you include in your wedding stationery suite. For example, if you don't need them don't include a bunch of insertion cards in your invitation suite. The trend I described above referring guests to a wedding website allows you to up additional information on the web as opposed to wasting paper and ink. Same goes for items like escort cards, menu's, etc at your reception. Instead consider doing signage instead of printing an item for each guest. You'll save money as well as the environment as well.
Q: What is your favorite color palette for 2010?
A: I love the turquoise trend. It can be used so many different ways and get totally different effects. For example, for a ranch wedding you can pair turquoise and silver like southwestern jewelry. Or for an South Asian wedding do turquoise with a variety of jewel tones. For a modern city wedding turquoise, gold and cream would be especially classy. Because it's such a strong color I love all the different combinations you can create with it.
There you have it!
Happy Planning, Aleah + Nick
A few pieces from Invite Couture
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday fun: galoshes!
I came across these super cute images of a bride and bridesmaids donning galoshes and had to share!
Happy Saturday! Aleah
*both images via Chicagonow.com.jpg)
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Happy Saturday! Aleah
*both images via Chicagonow.com
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
A roundup of really great finds
We wanted to do a roundup of some great finds this week - there's surely something for everyone!
Falling whistles: you must check out this site and read about this cause- it's for an absolutely amazing cause that will touch your heart. Starting at just $30, 100% of your purchase of a whistle necklace will help rehabilitate children of war in Congo.
For all of you industry pros (and our clients) Julianne Smith (AKA Garter Girl) has launched a fantastic program for planners. She's offering two delicious garters for emergency kits (we all need 'em!) and...she is offering a 10% discount to clients of wedding planners! Check out her site for more details 
Happy Planning! Aleah + Nick
Falling whistles: you must check out this site and read about this cause- it's for an absolutely amazing cause that will touch your heart. Starting at just $30, 100% of your purchase of a whistle necklace will help rehabilitate children of war in Congo.
We love Paloma's Nest (I just ordered the 2010 egg for our office!) and yesterday Caroline went live with a lovely new site for easy ordering. Her heirloom pieces make for great birthday and thoughtful gifts and, of course, ring bearer bowls. Check out her eggs, blocks, adorable little satchels, and bowls.
For all of you industry pros (and our clients) Julianne Smith (AKA Garter Girl) has launched a fantastic program for planners. She's offering two delicious garters for emergency kits (we all need 'em!) and...she is offering a 10% discount to clients of wedding planners! Check out her site for more details 
Happy Planning! Aleah + NickMonday, February 15, 2010
Monday Coffee: a few tips to help you select wedding artists
A big step in the planning process is locating amazing florists and invitation designers who will work with you to bring your wedding vision to life.
Here are some of our top tips for helping you to interview and select those artists:
1. ask all the right questions - how many weddings/events does the vendor work on at each time? Most vendors know their talent and work load ability and won't take on too much as they don't want to compromise their reputation. But it's always best to ask. Ask about experience but also ask get to know the artist on a more personal level. Inquire about where they get inspiration from, how they like to work, and what makes them tick. Relating on a personal level is great for a mutual relationship.
2. show the artist photos of your vision to help relay your thoughts. Reading back to our last Monday Coffee post re: staying true to your vision, be sure to give your wedding artists some creative freedom. Most invitation or floral designers we know really don't want their clients to want to simply copy a wedding from a photo or something they found online. After all, they are the experts so let them show you what they can do.
3. work with them to get the creative juices flowing. Meet over coffee or in their studio and work on sketches together, create vision boards, and let them whip up some color inspiration. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in a fun + relaxed sit-down.
Photo from Kate Hill Flowers via polkadotbride
4. talk budget up front. We work with our clients to determine how to best allocate their wedding budget so if you are without a planner, be sure to relay this information to each artist up front. Most artists are willing (to some extent) to offer up great suggestions or alternatives to help bring your vision to life if your original budget doesn't allow for certain flowers or invitation styles you might want.
Happy Planning!
Aleah + Nick
Here are some of our top tips for helping you to interview and select those artists:
1. ask all the right questions - how many weddings/events does the vendor work on at each time? Most vendors know their talent and work load ability and won't take on too much as they don't want to compromise their reputation. But it's always best to ask. Ask about experience but also ask get to know the artist on a more personal level. Inquire about where they get inspiration from, how they like to work, and what makes them tick. Relating on a personal level is great for a mutual relationship.
2. show the artist photos of your vision to help relay your thoughts. Reading back to our last Monday Coffee post re: staying true to your vision, be sure to give your wedding artists some creative freedom. Most invitation or floral designers we know really don't want their clients to want to simply copy a wedding from a photo or something they found online. After all, they are the experts so let them show you what they can do.
3. work with them to get the creative juices flowing. Meet over coffee or in their studio and work on sketches together, create vision boards, and let them whip up some color inspiration. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in a fun + relaxed sit-down.
Photo from Kate Hill Flowers via polkadotbride4. talk budget up front. We work with our clients to determine how to best allocate their wedding budget so if you are without a planner, be sure to relay this information to each artist up front. Most artists are willing (to some extent) to offer up great suggestions or alternatives to help bring your vision to life if your original budget doesn't allow for certain flowers or invitation styles you might want.
Happy Planning!
Aleah + Nick
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