A New Favorite Website

I recently discovered a website called littlethingsfavor.com and am thrilled. They have a terrific selection of wedding related goodies that range from $1-$5. Last week, I received my first order of the cutest notepad/pen combo. I was able to personalize it as well by selecting my own cover design and wording. I have received several compliments on the item already.

Besides great little gifts, the company offers excellent customer service. After placing my order, I literally received a phone call within 5 minutes notifying me of a shipping concern. It was easily remedied and I received my order exactly on time.

Finally, the website is truly easy to navigate and is organized quite well. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Troy Community Center Banquet Facilities

Besides working as a wedding planner, I am also the special event planner at the Troy Community Center. Here, the banquet facility is a true hidden gem. It not only has various types of tables and chairs to fit 300 guests, but offers a neutral palette, new carpet, the option to bring in an outside caterer, audio visual equipment, an excellent staff, a 40x40 dance floor, 28x16 stage and above all a cost effective rental price. The booking process is also quite simple and includes filling out a reservation form and providing a $60 deposit. Piece of cake! Take a look at the following website to check out some photographs.

If anyone has any additional questions regarding this venue, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to take you on a tour.

Winter Weddings

In gearing up for my next wedding in early January, I think how lovely it is to have a winter wedding. Of course, the harsh, cold winter weather can turn lots of people off from hosting an event this time of year . However, the snow can be so beautiful and add to the ambiance of a wedding. There are also so many possibilities in terms of venues, décor, color, flowers that I am excited just thinking about it. To me, a lovely winter wedding would revolve around the themes of warm & inviting, but modern in its design and structure. If you are wishing for a winter wedding, I so go for it. Do not let the cold stop you from having your perfect, snow globe dream wedding.

The Wedding Planner

Last week, I watched one of my favorite movies, the Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez, for the umpteenth time and loved every minute of it. Actually, it is pretty funny because every time I meet someone new and explain my occupation, he/she inevitably asks me if I have seen this movie. Most definitely is always my answer. Actually, I remember viewing this movie and wishing I could be a wedding planner. Honestly, it is amazing what can happen when you discover what you are meant to do with your career. It is no longer like you have a job, but rather you feel invigorated and excited to wake up each and every morning. I wish this dream for everyone.

Decisions, Decisions

From the color of your bridesmaids' dresses to the type of wine you want to serve during dinner, wedding related decisions can become overwhelming pretty quickly. Fear not, as I have some tips to assist you in the planning process.

#1-Organizing & Prioritizing

Step 1-Make a list of everything that needs to be done for your wedding day (excel works best for this).

Step 2-Highlight the top 5 most important parts of your wedding day.

Step 2-Make a decision right away on these top 5 aspects of your wedding whether it is the venue or officiant. See you are already on your way!

Step 3-Priortize the rest of the list. You can then divide the list up by which items need to be accomplished by each month. I bet the list looks that much more manageable now!

Step 4- Take it easy and have fun.

#2-Helping Hands

Sometimes it helps to get another point of view when you cannot make a decision whether big or small. Friends or family members can be a great sounding board for this type of situation.

#3-Hiring a planner (of course)

If you are feeling overwhelmed and confused, this is where a wedding planner can really help out. He/she will not only provide you with a support system, but he/she will get things done in a very organized and timely manner. This may be one of the most important decisions you could make for your wedding.

2008

With the 2008 wedding season winding down, I just want to take this opportunity to thank all my brides, grooms and their families. This year has been truly remarkable and memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed working with each of you and wish you all the happiness in the world.

Now on to 2009!

Cutting Costs

Every bride wishes for a spectacular wedding day. Every bride wants her wedding day- dreams to come true. Every bride wants the perfect wedding. Every bride does not always have an unlimited reserve for the wedding day. However, every bride can still have a beautiful wedding while sticking to a budget.

If you are one of those brides looking for ways to cut costs, here is your chance to get a little creative. There are so many ways to create a memorable, personal experience without spending an exorbitant amount of funds. Here are some ways to cut costs without jeopardizing the quality and taste level of a wedding:

1.) Choose an off-season month to hold your wedding.

2.) Create your own programs, save-the-dates, and thank you cards.

3.) Offer a signature drink as opposed to an open bar.

4.) Skip the favors.

5.) Work with local seamstress to create your dress.


I could go on and on, so feel free to contact me if you are interested in hearing more. Wedding planners are your best friend when it comes to weddings.

2009 Dress Collections-Part 2

My other favorite bridal designer is Monique Lhuillier (who I wore on my wedding day) for several reasons. First, her dressings are fantastically well-tailored. In my eyes, she creates the perfect A-Line dress. Second, her designs are classic, feminine and overall just beautiful. Third, she never overdoes a design. Her embellishments are edited and well-thought. Check out her designs at www.moniquelhuillier.com. Let me know what you think.

2009 Dress Collections Part 1

This morning, I was checking out Spring 2009 runway bridal shows online and I have to say that there are some exquisite collections this time around. One of my favorite designers, Vera Wang, managed to out-do herself with an amazingly elegant, beautiful and modern take on today’s bridal gowns. Her designs were refreshing in that there was less beading and embellishments and more intricate fabric work as well as feminine touches of ruffles and bows. She also played with stylish cuts and irregular necklines which gave a fun twist to her dresses. If you want to see or hear more, check out her show at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7z3563fUdc.

Also, if you are in the market for a Vera Wang bridal gown, visit Macy’s Bridal Salon in Troy, Michigan. They are an exclusive carrier of her collection.

More Designer Fashion to come next week…stay tuned.

Wedding Planners

Last week, I had lunch with a friend at a local diner in Birmingham and we got into a discussion about weddings (of course)! She inquired about the role of a wedding planner and more specifically the need of one. I explained that a recent bride said it best the day after her wedding when she said “ Thank goodness for you. I do not know what I would have done without you or your help.”

According to my friend, the brides words were lovely, but what she really wanted to know was the list of responsibilities. So, after explaining the various duties, she is now a full fledged supporter of wedding planners. My job there was done.

Here are a just few of the hats of a wedding planner:

1.) Coordinator-A wedding planner pulls all the little details together for a smooth wedding day result. He/she also works closely with all vendors to bring your day to life as well as to offer a bride a stress-free day.

2.) Organizer- A wedding planner will create a detailed time line for the day of which provides structure and security to the day. He/she will also guide you through the entire wedding process by supplying checklists, tips, articles and resources.

3.) Designer-A wedding planner provides expertise in décor and design as well as offers fashion sense.

4.) Relator-A wedding planner works to unite all your vendors and communicates your dreams and wishes. He/she will even mediate between family members on occasion.

Top 5 Reasons to be a Wedding Planner

While on vacation in Charlevoix, Michigan this past weekend, I had time to reflect on wedding planning and came up with the top 5 best reasons to be a wedding planner.

1.) A wedding planner has the special privilege of forming an irreplaceable bond between the bride, groom, and family during the entire planning process.

2.) A wedding planner helps to make couples’ wedding dreams come true.

3.) A wedding planner is able to share in the unique experiences that make each and every couple’s wedding different.

4.) A wedding planner has the opportunity to not only guide a bride and groom through the wedding planning process, but hopefully has great fun along the way.

5.) The best part of being a wedding planner is the chance to observe a couple during this day whether it is the exchanging of vows or the eating and drinking with friends and family, this is what makes everything worthwhile. It is the pure joy and happiness that surrounds the couple on their special wedding day.

Dream-a-Little-Dream Wedding Contest

Merritt Rosenthal Weddings & Events presents the Dream-A-Little-Dream Wedding Contest to Metro Detroit brides. This is an amazing opportunity to tell Merritt Rosenthal Weddings & Events about your dream wedding. The bride and groom with the most creative wedding idea (and creative does not necessarily mean crazy) will receive full service wedding planning support as defined on www.merrittrosenthal.com at half off the regular price (*wedding must be in Metro Detroit). Please e-mail your entries starting September 1 through September 30^th to mrosenthal@merrittrosenthal.com. The winner will be contacted via e-mail on October 6, 2008

Entry Information

1.) Brides’ Name

2.) Groom’s Name

3.) Bride/Groom Contact information

a. Cell phone number

b. Home phone

c. Email address

d. Billing address

4.) Please describe your love story:

5.) What is the date of your wedding?

6.) Where are you in the wedding planning process (beginning-no vendors have been chosen, middle-some vendors have been chosen, end-all vendors have been chosen)?

7.) Please describe your Dream-A-Little-Dream wedding idea:

Wedding Dress Shopping Part 2

As promised, here are a few more tips on wedding dress shopping.

Petite/Slender Body Types

· Dresses with corsets are another terrific option to showcasing your waist and/or hourglass figure. If you would like some “frontal” enhancement, check out Sassybax Very Bare Backless Self-Adhesive bra as it will stay for hours, but is still easily removable and pain-free.

· Whether bedazzled or plain, an a-line cut dress is another must-try shape for this body type.

Curvy/Pear Body Types

· Look like a princess and try-on a ball gown dress. Depending on the designer, many times sleeves can be added to a silhouette, so make sure and ask.

· Try a dress with a slight off the shoulder strap to draw the eyes up as well as to feature the neck and shoulders.

General Tips

· Do not be afraid to try a shape that you may not have considered before heading into a bridal salon. While bridal salons love when brides bring in pictures, be open to suggestions as well.

· Alterations are extremely important to fit, so make sure and select an experienced seamstress. I have heard horror story after horror story about wedding dresses gone wrong, so do your homework.

· If you budget allows it, check out custom design options and treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

No matter what your body type, there is a perfect wedding dress out there for you. So, go shopping and let the fun begin.

Wedding Dress Shopping

Weddings will always be my number one passion, but the next closest is fashion. Fortunately, they go hand in hand more times than not. Having studied fashion design in New York City, I was able to experience a true fashion mecca. I was even lucky enough to be behind the scenes during a spring fashion week runway show. You could say I picked up a few bits of knowledge. In fact, understanding body types and the importance of fit were definitely a part of that learning experience.

A proper fitting garment, especially a wedding gown, is essential for any bride. Here are a few tips to follow when shopping for the dream wedding dress:

Petite/Slender Body Types

· Try dresses with a natural or cinched waistline as they create an illusion of curves.

· You may also want to try a mermaid cut as it hugs your body allowing your curves to stand front and center.

· Stay away from very large ball gown dresses as you will tend to disappear in them.

Curvy/Pear Body Types

· If you are looking for an option that does not hug the body, try a dress with an empire cut or fuller skirt.

· If you have a fuller bust, you may not find the support you need in a strapless dress, but luckily there are plenty of options out there for you. Sheer straps are a huge trend right now, so check it out.

More tips to come next week…..

Beauty Secrets

The wedding, beauty, and fashion industries are all interwoven and driven by trends. The trends start on the runways of Los Angeles & New York City and trickle down to the pages of Instyle Weddings or The Knot and then to your wedding day. As such, I truly believe it is important to stay connected with these supporting industries. Having worked in the beauty industry for five years, I am privileged to be a little ahead of the game.

Now, I would now like to let you in on one of my secrets and it is called bebeautiful. bebeautiful is “your source for everything beauty.” They offer unique solutions to every possible beauty need through their catalog and website (www.bebeautiful.com).

Here are some of my favorite must-have products for brides:

1.) Spanx Body Shapers & Body Slimming Undergarments -Need I say more? Check out the website for a list of products and prices.

2.) Judith August The Everything Pencil-This miracle pencil hides imperfections like under eye dark circles, birthmarks, and age spots. It comes in a variety of shades to match every complexion. $15 ea.

3.) Miss Oops Rescue Sponges-This is my favorite item as it magically eliminates pesky deodorant marks from any type of clothing without the use of water. $12 ea

5.) Evian Mineral Water Spray-Helps keep you and your makeup refreshed form sun-up to sun-down. 14 oz $16 ea

6.) Essie Nail Good to Go Fast Drying Top Coat- Really, this is the fastest drying top coat around. A great, just in case item, for the day of the wedding. $10 ea

7.) Hollywood Fashion Tape-This do- it- all clear double stick tape is perfect for hiding bra straps, fixing hems, eliminating gaps, securing deep necklines, and more. $10 ea

8.) Silicone Petal Tops-Depending upon your wedding dress or even some honeymoon related garments, this item can come in quite handy. They are flexible stick-on molds that prevent show through and create a smoothing effect. $6/pair

9.) Peaches & Boo Book Save My Feet Blister Elixir-This non-greasy cream prevents blisters from developing and protects skin for up to 8 hours. A must-have for the wedding day! $22 ea

Here are a few new, hot products to check out as well:

The Trends

1.) Talika Eye Dream- Apply this liquid mask at night and wake up to youthful, fresh eyes and less wrinkles. $55

2.) Sassybax Very Bare Bra-An adhesive silicone bra that holds to the body (sizes A-D). Great for low-back wedding dresses! $78

3.) Verseo All Natural Detox Deodorant-“Green is in.” Use to detoxify in a safe way. $12.00

Wedding Day Motto

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always felt this necessity to be prepared for anything at any time. Who know this trait would come in handy later in life when I became a wedding planner.

Yesterday, I was reminiscing with a close friend about her recent nuptials and recalled a now, funny wedding day surprise. It was just after the first dance that my friend discovered her beautiful wedding dress bustle coming undone. In fact, it needed more than just a simple fix. Luckily, I had my bridal day survival kit on hand, so I quickly sprung into action. I pulled out my mini sewing kit and within minutes, she was back on the dance floor having a blast. My training in sewing from Parson School of Design in New York City might have helped a little too.

It is this type of example that confirms my wedding day motto, “Always be prepared no matter what.”

Picture Perfect Makeup

Would you order a wedding cake without icing? That is what some brides do when they overlook the importance of makeup on their special day! After finding the perfect dress, the perfect shoes, the perfect hairstyle and the perfect photographer, it is essential to hire a professional makeup artist who is trained to make you look the best all day long and photograph like you are a supermodel.

Recently, I met up with Lisa Glickoff, professional makeup artist and owner of Astute Artistry in Livonia, Michigan. With Lisa's extensive background in makeup, which includes working at the Oscars in 2006, she is an amazing resource available to brides in the Detroit area. Whether you are looking for makeup or brow work, Lisa manages to do it all in the relaxing atmosphere of her custom boutique. She even has mimosas (you might need one!) & hors d’oevres for your special day.

Check out her website…http://www.astuteartistry.com/