After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

The movie Bride Wars , starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, won't be out until Jan 9th, but you can enter Bluefly's Bride War Stories Contest now! Just submit your crazy mother-in-law or bad taffeta tales to win a $1000 shopping spree. There's also a Bridal Beatdown game where you upload your face to the body of either Liv (Kate Hudson) or Emma (Anne Hathaway) and duke it out against the other bridezilla - the perfect distraction from Monday work. May the best bride win!

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between blog archive reminder has arrived! Take a look back at what we were discussing this week, one year ago. What's On Your Registry (7 of last year's hottest items for wedding registries) For $1000 Or Less  (gorgeous bridal gown choices for under a "grand") Engagement Party Theme: The Ring  (ideas for planning a celebration of your engagement paying homage to your ring) Create-A-Cake (design your wedding cake online)

 (photo courtesy of Gabriel Boone Photography )

Today, I got to view another one of my couple's professional photos!  As always, the photographer, Airlangga Wattimena , did an awesome job and I'm so excited to share a few shots here. I appointed Shakira my  Autumn Candlelight  bride for two reasons: 1) She set out to create an intimate candlelit event that exuded love and warmth; 2) She and her groom chose Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) to exchange vows, right in the thick of Fall.  So, we started with an inspiration board and through careful planning it all came together.  Shakira and Jason's primary concerns were their spirituality being acknowledged and celebrated throughout as well as lots of details to create a romantic ambiance.  Thus, Jason's father and uncle (both ministers) officiated and right before the bride walked down the aisle, a pair of praise dancers performed as a prelude to her entrance.  Other creative touches included a ...

Dear Rashana , What would be the best way to make your client feel he/she has maximized their funds correctly? Cost Conscious * * * * * * * * * * Dear Cost Conscious , I generally take 3 steps toward making sure my clients are at ease and confident that their funds will be maximized. The truth is their decision to hire and work with a planner/consultant already puts them 10 steps ahead of the game and the rest depends on proper research/education, realistic estimation and risk identification/management. My process usually includes the following: 1. Research/Education - After a couple has decided on a budget, it's very important to take it a step further and research exactly what wedding costs are in their area. Depending on what style or type event is to be planned each spending category can vary widely. For instance with food, a couple looking to hold a small gathering could find a lovely restaurant offering a family-style dinner with open bar and a wedding cake f...

I came home today to a small package marked "FRAGILE." After glancing at the return address and seeing the word "wedding" I assumed I had received another communication or sample from a wedding vendor interested in working with me. But to my surprise, the boxed contained a large cookie with my name printed up at the top. I was being asked to be a bridesmaid on a cookie! Wasn't that sweet? Check out WeddingStand for other edible card options. There are tons of designs and embellishments to choose from as far as their selection of edibles, but there is also a plethora of favors, bridal accessories and gifts to browse. - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

This month we're highlighting an essential nutrient that makes up 70-75% of the human body ... water! The bottled water trend is still very much alive, and for some, carrying just any bottle of water is just not cool. Luckily, there are a few much more favor able options. Our F l AVORs of the Month for December 2008 are ... Christian Lacroix " Prêt -à-Porter" 2008 Limited Edition Evian® Water Evian® dressed in Christian Lacroix ! The bottle comes decorated with glittering snowy crystals that charmingly symbolize the purity of this natural spring water. The coppiced lace pattern provides the bottle with a classic frosted feel and is reminiscent of the flora that can be found at the French Alps. Distinguished, understated and so very Lacroix , it will add that final touch of chic and elegance to every festive table. Bling H2O Crystal-Encrusted Bottled Water More than a pretty taste ... calling itself “the Cristal of bottled water,” Bling H2O is pop culture in a bottl...

I came across OfficeMax's Elf Yourself last year, and again I just couldn't resist! I had to join in the fun this year as well. So, here's to a good chuckle all the way from Central New Jersey. Happy Holidays! Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A good wedding planner and perhaps a healthy budget can transform even an old musty barn into a magical romantic setting for the beginning of the rest of your life . But, if by chance the stars don't quite align, it's all about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! The decor of certain venues and the character lying within certain historical sites can serve as the ultimate spring-board to the perfect ambiance for your event. Here are my favorite locations for weddings in our area: The Pleasantdale Chateau , West Orange NJ Beautiful estate, situated on 40 acres of formal gardens, rolling lawns and shaded ponds. Features a round grand ballroom, indoor pool and handsome honeymoon suite on the premises. The Palm House at The Brooklyn Botanic Garden , Brooklyn NY Victorian setting that is a replica of the original Garden Conservatory, surrounded by 52 acres of gardens. Conveniently located just 3 miles from New York City. The Imperia , Somerset NJ Only about 3 years old and allows ...

Along with my mother and cousin, I'm planning one of the most important events of my year...the celebration of my great-grandmother's 100th birthday! My great-grandmother, who our family affectionately calls "Nanny," was born in 1908 and she's one of the most strong and beautiful women I know. She is the eldest of 23 siblings, mother of 3, grandmother of 7, great-grandmother of 8 and second great-grandmother of 7 and on December 27th (1 day after she becomes a centenarian), we will gather for lunch, music, reflection, fellowship, love and prayer to honor and celebrate her. I designed invitations of a delicate brown and pink (pictured above) that are being mailed today and I am really excited. Even though my business is party planning, this is undoubtedly a labor of love. Her "Bubba" (the nickname she gave me as a baby and still fondly uses 30 years later) wouldn't have it any other way.

The day I discovered The Smart Planner™ blog I was elated. It is brilliantly written by Arizona wedding planner Liene Stevens, owner of Blue Orchid Designs , and is a wonderful resource for wedding/event planners. I'm happy to say The Smart Planner™ blog has stretched my outlook on the business of wedding planning, therefore, I am so honored to now have been featured in the "Meet The Planners" series. " The Smart Planner™ is committed to raising the bar and to providing business resources to wedding and event planners who share our core philosophies of professional excellence, generosity, integrity and good old-fashioned common sense." Thanks Liene ... for featuring me as well as for providing such a phenomenal tool, challenging and coaching us wedding/event planners to never allow ourselves to stop growing, studying and serving. Read the interview now.

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between blog archive reminder has arrived! Take a look back at what we were discussing this week, one year ago. (photo courtesy of RedBliss) Picture-Perfect Party Dresses (a little holiday party-bound inspiration) Any Way You Slice It (6 extraordinary groom's cake ideas) What It Costs To Get Married (costs NJ brides-to-be should be prepared for) Save-The-Dates, All Bundled Up (winter save-the-date idea) Inspiration Board: Old Hollywood Glamour Water Closet Personalization (ways to spruce up your bathroom baskets)

The Bridal Party's Autumn Candlelight Bride tied-the-knot this passed Friday night at The Richfield Regency . The bride and groom worked together with me for 10 months planning this romantic and intimate celebration which featured a chocolate/dahlia palette and loads of special touches such as a personalized aisle runner (designed by the groom), a wishing well in the place of a traditional guest book, a Swarovski crystal adorned canopy, custom menu cards and candles, candles, candles! This couple was such a pleasure to work with and all involved did an outstanding job. Below are a few snapshots of the day ... but professional photographs are coming soon! Stay tuned. Also, special thanks to Jocelyn for assisting (always an absolute life-saver). P.S.  The groom is a graphic designer and decided to design and print the wedding programs himself, which came out beautifully.  When I saw the final version the night of the wedding, I noticed the couple added the following passag...

Have a Wonderfully Blessed Thanksgiving! and in the spirit of giving thanks ... A BIG THANK YOU to all of The Bridal Party's friends and clients for your support. (photo courtesy of Where The Wild ings Are )

Thanks to Katasha of K Sherrie+Company Planning Atelier , I just typealyzed my blog.  Here's the result: ESTP - The Doers The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities. The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time. I was expecting somewhat of a different result ... perhaps ESFP-The Performers , but I guess it says a lot about the tone of my blog. If you're a blogger, why not typealyze your blog and leave us a comment with your results!

Tips and gratuities are often overlooked during the planning of a wedding. While most vendors will not expect tips, it's surely a nice gesture of thanks. Of course, you always have the option to decide not to, but if you're interested in rewarding exceptional service, here are some rules of thumb and suggestions when it comes to wedding gratuity etiquette. Each gratuity should be presented at the end of the evening or upon delivery of services. If you've hired a wedding coordinator, provide him/her with individual sealed envelopes ahead of time for the vendors you'd like to tip. If you haven't hired a consultant, pass this task on to the Best Man. (Special Note: Even if you have a wedding coordinator, the honorariums/gratuity for the officiant should always be presented by the Best Man) Refrain from sitting a "tip jar" at the bar or out at valet service (something that truly makes me cringe). Instead, be sure to inform the bartender that you will make...

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between blog archive reminder has arrived! Take a look back at what we were discussing this week, one year ago. (photo by Shawn Connel) So You Think You Won't Need A Wedding Planner? (part 1) So You Think You Won't Need A Wedding Planner? (part 2) Give Generously, Celebrate Joyfully ... Design Merrily (winter party ideas) Top 20 Reception Ideas for 2008 (extraordinary list from New York Magazine) scam (skām): A fraudulent business scheme (one of our most popular and sought after blog posts) Inspiration Board: Destination Design Signature Martinis ... w/ a Holiday Twist (five yummy seasonal martini recipes)

This month we've found a cute little item that's extremely unique, because (of course) it's unexpected and fully personalizable!  Our FlAVOR of the Month for November 2008 is ... Custom Lip Balm from Etsy Submit your own wedding logo and/or monogram and choose a flavor, such as Banana Rose, Lemon Creme, Peppermint, Apricot, Blackberry, Pistachio, Strawberry, Apple Tart, Almond or Anise.  You'll also be able to choose either a clear tube or a white tube.  Great for showers and even welcome packages for destination weddings!

After "YES," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between was selected and added to BestWeddingBlogs.com, an impressive compilation of the most savvy wedding professionals who have taken up the fine art of blogging.  We are so excited to have been included.  Wow!

(photo courtesy of twentytwophoto ) At times during their wedding planning, brides may tend to pay the least amount of attention to their choice of footwear.  The bride's shoes will likely not be seen much throughout the wedding, but she can always make sure her photographer gets a few shots of them.  And of course, if her shoes will get a few photos all to themselves, she'll want to make sure they're really special.  Here are several styles on the market I really love ... Giuseppe Zanotti Versani Benjamin Adams Stuart Weitzman Grazia   Christian Louboutin Valentino