Colors We Love for Fall Weddings

Fall weddings are some of the most coveted weddings to have. Not only do you have the great weather and the amazing wedding deals, you have the beautiful colors that make Fall the wonderful season that it is. With its bold greens, illuminating deep oranges and fiery reds, it’s no wonder why brides book weddings in the Fall once they say their “yes”.

Some favorite Fall colors include:

1) Deep to burnt oranges
2) Apple reds
3) Vegetable greens
4) Deep sea blues

Some other favorites are:

1) Bright lemon yellows
2) Sunset pinks
3) Evening purples/ Aubergine eggplant color
4) Chocolate browns

If you center the theme of your wedding around these illustrious colors, then you will truly set the bar for the perfect Fall wedding!

The Steps To Hindu Wedding

Marriage is a sacred event, and when it comes to Hinduism, marriage is synchronized with the Vedas, the holy scripture of the Hindu religion. What’s uniquely special about the Hindu wedding is the collection of rituals that are performed not only by the bride and the groom, but also by their respective parents and close relatives. During these rituals, there are five offerings that are made,

1) Fresh Flowers: to signify beauty.
2) Coconut: to signify fertility.
3) Rice, Jaggery (brown sugar), and other grains: to signify food, necessary for the sustenance of human life.
4) Ghee (clarified butter): to feed the Sacred Fire.
5) Kumkum (red powder used for marking the forehead): to signify good luck.

The Hindu wedding ceremony takes place in the Mandap, the four-pole canopy at center stage. There are five stages to the ceremony,

1) Barrat and Milni: The reception and welcoming of the Groom and his family. At the entrance gate of the Wedding Hall by the bride’s family.
2) Jaimala: The bride welcomes the groom where they exchange garlands, which symbolize the bride’s acceptance of the groom as her husband. They are then escorted to the Mandap.
3) Kanyadaan: The bride’s family now moves indoor to the Mandap and they perform the Kanyadaan in which they give their daughter away to the groom in marriage.
4) Saat Phera: The bride and the groom’s hands are joined and they then walk the seven steps around the Havan (sacred fire) and take the marriage vows, which symbolize the obstacles that life may throw at them but that they will overcome them together.
5) Badai: The bride is leaving her parents home to build a new life with her husband and members of immediate family with tears of joy and sorrow but carries the blessings of all who witnessed the marriage ceremony.

One stage of the ceremony that really stands out is the Saat Phera—the couple walks seven steps together while reciting hymns, which express their principal household duties. The seven steps are,

1) To provide for the household, keeping a purer diet and avoiding those things injurious to their health.
2) To develop their physical, mental, and spiritual powers.
3) To increase their wealth by righteous means and proper use.
4) To acquire knowledge and happiness and harmony by mutual love, respect, and trust for each other.
5) To be blessed with strong, virtuous and heroic children.
6) For self-restraint and longevity.
7) To be true companions and remain life long partners by this marriage.

All of these unique steps lead to a magnificent beginning!

Getting Your Wedding Guests to The Celebration-Booking Shuttle Transportation for Your Wedding

When the big day arrives, you want to make sure that all of your guests are there to celebrate with you. This is why figuring out transportation for your guests is an important and essential part in having a smooth event. If you are looking at a larger group that will be traveling for your wedding, along with encouraging your guests to schedule their flights around the same time, things will run a lot smoother if they all happen to land around the same time too. Below are some key questions that any transportation company of interest should be able to answer for you:

1) How often does your shuttle run?
2) How many passengers per trip can fit on their shuttle?
3) What is the fee for booking their service?
4) Are there any discounts for special occasions such as weddings?
5) Can you book under a flat rate?
6) How many minutes will it take to transport your guests from the airport to the final destination?
7) What is their safety record?
8) Request to have your name put on the shuttle busses. Can they do this to let your incoming guests know that that particular shuttle is for the wedding party

Once these answers are ready and checked, it’s time to let all your RSVPs know that you will see them there!

Backing Up Your Wedding: Why Getting Insurance is a Smart Idea

Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados and floods. When it comes to Mother Nature, you can’t put up much of a fight. So one way to stay secured and protected for your big day is to get insurance for your wedding. I know that a lot of people may think that natural disasters and sudden turn of events can never happen to them, but the unfortunate reality is that these things happen all the time. For example, this past weekend with Hurricane Irene proved that no matter how much preparation that you put into your wedding, there are circumstances that are just out of our control. The last thing that you want to do is find out that because of the unpredictable, your wedding will not be taking place. But if you have your wedding insured, you can rest assure that your money, your contracts, your venues and your vendors are safe, and the only thing you will have to redo is reschedule your ceremony day.

NYC Indian Themed Restaurants

The Indian culture, décor and style has always been known for its eccentric colors, bold taste, and fascinating themes. If you are looking for the perfect Indian themed dinner place, New York City is the prime location to find such. Places like Tamarind Tribeca for example. If you are looking for a place to celebrate with all of your closet family and friends, Tamarind Tribeca certainly has the space for it. With its elegant ambiance and decedent style covering more than 10,000 square feet, this is a place where one can experience true crème de la crème cuisines from the many regions of India. With that sophistication that we all know and love, it has never failed to be a New York City favorite.


It is no surprise that when NYC folks look for festive South Asian food with modern and edgy style, they flock to Taj on W 21st street between 5th and 6th Avenue. With its upscale yet traditional menu, one cannot help but applaud the life and flavor that Taj brings. http://www.tajlounge.com/. Last but not least don’t hesitate to explore the Vermillion Restaurant on Lexington Avenue. Talk about a chic atmosphere and a fantastic Indian menu! With the amazing fusion of Indian and Latin dishes, be warned: only go if you enjoy flavor, spices, and fun! http://www.thevermilionrestaurant.com/.

Grand Entrances

When you enter your reception for the first time with your new husband you want to make a big splash as this will set the tone for the rest of the night. Make sure to choose an upbeat song that you can dance to. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. "DJ Got Us Falling In Love" by Usher

2. "Marry You" by Bruno Mars

3. "Give Me Everything Tonight" by Pitbull and Ne-Yo

4. "Our Time Now" by Plain White T's

5. "Crazy In Love" by Beyonce

6. "Get The Party Started" by Pink

7. "Sexyback" by Justin Timberlake

8. "Raise Your Glass" by Pink

9. "Bring Em Out" by T.I.

10. "Party Like A Rockstar" by Shop Boyz

What ever song you choose remember to have fun!

Capturing the Moment-Wedding Photographers

A wedding photographer is supposed to capture the very essence of your wedding. Those timeless moments that will live on well after the ceremony. So when choosing a photographer, be sure that they can respond positively to the following:

1. How many main shooter and secondary shooters do they bring?
2. What professional qualifications do they carry?
3. Are they a part of any professional organization?
4. What are their payment terms?
5. Do they have the experience with photographing a wedding of your style?
6. What is the average turnaround time for receiving the finished product?
7. Are there any special deals that they offer along with their typical wedding packages?
8. What is their refund policy?
9. Are there any extra services that come with packaging the photos?
10. How much would total services cost?

Once the photographer successfully answers these questions, you can mark that as another task accomplished on your wedding to do list!

Picking a father/daughter and mother/son dance song for your wedding can be exciting and emotional. You want to choose a song that can capture every emotion at this timeless moment.

Some father/daughter favorites include:
“You’ll Always Be My Baby” by Sara Evans
“Butterfly Fly Away” by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
“Daughters” by John Mayer
“Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
“Angel In My Arms” by Joe Pizzulo
“Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
“Blessed” by Elton John

Here are some unforgettable mother/son songs:
“A Mother’s Song” by T. Carter
“A Song For Mama” by Boyz II Men
“Baby Mine” by Bette Midler
“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
“Anyway” by Martina McBride
“Angels” Randy Travis
“A Smile Like Yours” by Natalie Cole





Whichever song you choose, remember to cherish the moment!

The Very Last Dance...

You have had the night of your life, you have created memories you will never forget and you have finally married the man of your dreams. The night is about to end and you want to make sure your friends and family never forget this moment. Choose a great "Last Dance" song and your guests will keep talking about your big day for days to come.

Here are some great options:

1. "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga

2. "At Last" by Etta James

3. "DJ Got Us Falling In Love" by Usher

4. "Empire State of Mind" by Jay Z and Alicia Keys

5. "Forever" by Chris Brown

6. "Give Me Everything Tonight" by Pitbull and Ne-Yo

7. "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey

8. "Beautiful Day" by U2

9. "I've Had The Time Of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

10. "Save The Last Dance For Me" by Michael Buble

Cake Vendors We Love

One of the most exciting parts about a wedding celebration is the cutting of the cake. What’s the second most exciting part? Eating the cake! When picking your cake, be sure to choose a vendor that sees your cake as a creative adventure as well as a tasty delight. For a masterpiece of a cake with slices starting at under $20, check out Ron Ben-Israel Cakes at http://weddingcakes.com/#/home/! City Sweets and Confections at http://www.citysweets.com/ have slices starting at under $12, and don’t forget Sylvia Weinstock Cakes Ltd. at http://www.sylviaweinstock.com/index_fl4.html, they have tantalizing slices starting at under $10. Their creative and delicious cakes are sure to bring that decadent style and taste you want. So get creative and watch your cake outshine your center pieces!

Wedding Motifs

I get asked all the time why motifs are such an essential part of a wedding. So here it is. This is a chance for you to express personal style, taste, and decor! Here are some great ideas.

1. What city are you absolutely in love with? Where ever your favorite city or destination is, make your motif out of it! NYC, Chicago, and Miami are all great ideas.

2. Diamonds, jewels, and gems are all wonderful theme ideas. You can use them for everything from your cake to your invites to your place cards!

3. Lilies, tulips, gardenias or whatever your favorite flower, use this as a great motif. The Lotus flower is a traditional Indian theme that also promotes elegance and taste.

4. Paisley print is another favorite! You can use this print with everything from your wallpaper to your tablecloths. It speaks tradition and elegance.

5. Elephants are good fortune, and a reoccurring motif in Indian weddings. This is a theme that promotes tradition, strength, and celebration.

6. We love logos with initials and patterns. This is a unique way of making your wedding an unforgettable one.


There are many different motifs to choose from, so make sure it represents your style!

Memorable Wedding Invitations

Presentation is everything. So when it comes to your wedding invitations, this is no exception. For my clients, I always recommend stationary design companies that I know will bring their wildest dreams to life, like Alpine Creative Group. Not only do they display innovative and creative designs, they incorporate that signature underlining touch of elegance throughout your invitations. Check them out at http://www.alpinecreativegroup.com . Want that couture look for your invites? Explore the Zoya Coutour stationary collection! This is a great way for you to select wedding invitations with your sense of taste and elegance. Check them out at http://www.zoyacouture.com .

Wedding: Pallavi and Robinder

Pallavi and Robinder's wedding this past weekend was one of the most spectacular weddings we have had this year! It all started on Thursday with the Garba at the bride's parents home. They had the whole backyard tented and uplight in blue and orange. The weather was perfect and all the guests had an amazing time!

Fast forward to Saturday when the ceremony was also held at the bride's parents home with an abundance of flowers in gorgeous shades of pink and orange done by Elegant Affairs. Lotus flowers decorated the lunch tables as guest enjoyed a fabulous array off food with over 20 assorted items.

Later that evening, we all headed to Pier 60 at The Chelsea Piers for a night full of music, dancing and wonderful cuisine. Guests enjoyed and amazing 3 course meal and a even more spectacular cake by world famous cake maker, Ron-Ben Israel. We had a great time working with this couple and especially with the bride's mother, Dolly, who gave us so much inspiration to pull off this event! We want to thank all our vendors and friends (Dj Kucha, Elegant Affairs, Kush Singh, Bukhara Grill, and our friends at Pier 60). Pallavi and Rob, we wish you both the best and thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your special day!

Now That Is The Way To Do A Proposal!

I recently got asked a very interesting question, “What is a unique way to propose?” I had to think about that one for a bit, since we normally are approached by couples after the engagement. Of course, a proposal has to bring the coveted “oh my gosh!” factor. So what about considering an actual over the top proposing in a hot air balloon? With hot air balloons typically taking off at sunrise or sunset, the experience for you and your loved one would be nothing short of amazing. Not only is this idea very safe and romantic, it is also very affordable. We found some great info on http://www.hotairballooning.com/balloon-rides/ . Giving you a stunning view of the city and a moment that will forever be etched in the mind of your love, it would not be too farfetched to expect a “yes” along with some tears of joy. The sky is your limit!

High or Low?

When it comes to décor the age old question is, "Should I have low or high centerpieces for my wedding?" and the answer is that it is completely up to you! Whether you go with tall or low centerpieces there are great advantages to both.

Tall Centerpieces

People are always concerned that they won’t be able to talk to guests across the table if there is a tall centerpiece on the table, but the truth is that you really won’t be able to have an intimate conversation with someone who is sitting 5 feet away from you, especially over the sound of a band or DJ. With that in mind you can have a tall centerpiece without blocking guests from one another. Choose a tall vase with the flowers being above the sight line, also use a vase that is not too obstructive or choose one that is transparent.

Low Centerpices

By using low centerpieces you can create a more intimate feeling for your guests. With the design of a low centerpiece you can still incorporate varied heights of candlelight etc. without blocking any views.

Combination of Both
Most of our brides end up doing a combination of both low and high centerpieces as this can create the best look. It gives a more interesting look for the entire space, allowing for the initial impact as your guests first enter the space and continuing as they sit and enjoy dinner.

The key thing to keep in mind is that you want to create a look that will allow the eye to wander throughout the space without it feeling too stagnant one way or the other.

Signature Drinks and Trends

A perfect way to personalize your wedding is to provide signature drinks that will have guests surprised by your witty, creativity. If you happen to have an iPhone there is a free app called "Mixology." It provides hundreds of great drink recipes, names, and bar-tending tips. You can easily learn from the app and become your own bartender at your bachelorette party and wedding shower. This is a great way to avoid the extra cost of hiring a bar tender and put those extra funds towards your wedding day. Below are some easy and refreshing drinks, from "Mixology," that can be served on your special day:

"A Day At The Beach"-Amaretto, Coconut Rum, Orange Juice, and Grenadine.

"Absolut Lady Power"-Absolut Peppar Vodka, Lemon Juice, Tomato Juice, Worcestershire Sauce. Garnish with a lime wedge.

"Bridal"- Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Maraschino Liqueur, and Orange Bitters. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

"Wedding Belle Cocktail"- Cherry Brandy, Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif Wine, Gin, and Orange Juice.

Look up more drink names and recipes on the "Mixology" app and good luck on your special day!

Thank you note from Neema and Mike

Sonal and her team helped to make our wedding dreams come true. From the early planning stages, through to the big day, there is no way we could have pulled off a destination wedding with 100 people without their help. Not having a thing to worry about on our wedding day was priceless. Thanks Sonal, Anna, Katherine and Katie!

Neema and Mike Zawacki

The Hyatt in Aruba

July 23, 2011

Fantastic Items You Can Offer Your Guest Prior To The Ceremony

You want your guests to remember your wedding as a great event as well as notice all the hard work you put into the day. Some great ways to make your wedding memorable, as well as pamper your guests, includes: snacks, special touches and gifts. Below are some great ways to keep your guest’s comfortable before you say the “I Do’s”:

-Chutney Sandwiches

-Tea & Coffee

-Cheese and Crackers

-Parfait

-Lassi

During the hot summer months you can provide your guests with:

-Cold Rose Scent Towels

-Infused Water such as oranges, kiwi, strawberries, lemons, and limes

-Hand embroidered/painted parasols

-Lemonade

-Coconut water

-Rum Punch

-Personalized Fans

Your guests are made up of your friends and family and you want them to be as comfortable as possible as well as have a fabulous time on your special day. Keep these great tips in mind, personalize those that appeal to you, and keep your guests feeling like royalty.

Patel Printing: The Printing World's Fairy Godmother

Menus, place cards, banners, signage, invitations and more printing products are Patel Printing’s specialties. Sonal J. Shah Event Consultants has created this wonderful business relationship with Patel Printing and we could not be more thankful for all that they have done for our clients and us. The designs and creativity they offer, to a client, will leave them feeling confident in the items they will be sending to guests, as well as add a touch of elegance to an event. Also, Patel Printing’s website is easy to use and full of great tools that will help guide any unsure client to what they want for any printing product they desire.