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

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

Nowadays there are a multitude of scented candles on the market. They come in all shapes, sizes and qualities. But if you're considering selecting one as a gift (perhaps for your wedding party) or even to use as favors to your wedding guests, they're still a really grand idea! Here are a few of the most inviting and impressive ... Tocca "Yma" Candle Savory essence of the Peruvian guava fruit combined with the luscious scent of red currant inspired by the legendary singer Yma Sumac. Burn time, 60 hours. D.L. & Co. "Tasmanian Boronia" Candle Blend of fresh rasberries, apricots, violet and wet moss. This gorgeous fragrance is poured into a large pale pink scalloped vessel etched with the Boronia bud, nestled in a pink box emblazoned with oversized Boronia flowers, all held securely closed with a black silk ribbon. Burn time, 60+ hours. Le Cherche Midi "01" Candle Le Cherche Midi's signature fragrance...brings to life a tranquil ocean-side ...

Just because you're infusing a chocolate and brown color scheme throughout every aspect of your wedding, including the silk rose petals ... just because the same lace pattern on your gown will be applied to the table linens and handkerchief you're gifting your mom ... just because you'll affix your monogram to the save-the-dates, invitations, favors, programs, menu cards, gartar and wedding cake ... it doesn't mean you have to be as matchy-matchy with your choice of bridesmaid dresses.  It's widely accepted to not have your sisters and/or best friends in the same exact dress or in the same exact color.  Yes, it's okay to mix it up!  As long as the bridesmaid dresses you choose complement the bridal gown, you can't really go wrong. Check out these amazing gowns and gorgeous complementing styles for the maids ... Ian Stewart w/ Bill Levkoff to complement Anne Barge w/ Lazaro to complement Carolina Herrera w/ Alfred Angelo to complement Romona Keveza w/ ...

The Bridal Party's Chocolate Twist Bride tied-the-knot last night and partied 'till the wee hours of the morning at The Venetian . The bride, her family and myself worked together for 8 months planning this extravagant and fun-loving celebration which featured a romantic autumn theme, a chocolate/apricot/merlot palette and seemingly endless special details such as a personalized aisle runner, specialty linens, a place card tree, a Mexican Mariachi band for cocktail hour, caramel apple favors and a photo booth (one of the biggest hits of the night). I'm not sure how to even begin to express how proud I am of this gorgeous couple and the result of our work together.  All involved did a phenomenal job. Below are a few snapshots of the day ... but professional photographs are coming soon !  Stay tuned. Also, special thanks to Jocelyn and Farrah for assisting.  We had a blast ... and got to enjoy the photo booth too!