Long Distance Planners

I read this interesting article about hiring a local planner for a destination wedding. Since sometimes the expense prevents brides from hiring us, I felt this to be a good guide. When you live in a different country or even state than where you will be getting married it is important to follow a few steps while searching for a wedding planner.

1. Get referrals and recommendations

2. See who is on hotels or banquet halls wedding vendor guides. If they are, ask the staff how well they do while running the events in their establishment.

3. Research! Get in touch with the region’s local chapter of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). This organization will lead you to professional planners with degrees and a hefty experience level.

4.  Ask the local planner questions about local vendors to see if they really do have experience and how many vendors are actually local vs. you having to fly in vendors.

5. Talk to past clients of the planner, especially those who are international; Ask the clients how often they communicated with the planner and what was the turn around time for the planner's response.

Ultimately, it may make sense to hire a local planner but make sure to do the research and the questions are answered

Exclusively In

Not all of our brides have the time to make a trip to India for all their wedding shopping, this is when we send them straight to Exclusively In! There is no longer a need to go shopping in India as this site brings it right to your living room.

The site offers daily flash sales featuring some of the best Indian designers and carry everything from Saris and Tunics to Jewelry and Handbags. They have a huge variety in designs, colors and price points. Plus you can see multiple views of each items which helps make the shopping a little easier. The great thing is that once you purchase your items it only takes 10days for you to get them.

 Happy Shopping!

Another Great Venue The DoubleTree Tarrytown

After the successful events we just had this past weekend at the Tarrytown, NY DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, we wanted to thank the staff at the venue for all their work. It was a pleasure working with you. They were beyond helpful with everything we needed and very organized with their tasks and responsibilities. And if that isn't enough, the venue is in a gorgeous setting that makes you feel like you are at a Colorado ski lodge. With abundant meeting rooms and grand ballroom, the Tarrytown, NY DoubleTree by Hilton hotel is a perfect location to hold any event! And who can forget the warm walnut chocolate chip cookies they give you with your room keys? Thank you Tarrytown DoubleTree for a successful weekend!

Deepti & Anup's Puerto Rico Wedding

Here are some amazing photos of Deepti and Anup's wedding at the Ritz Carlton, San Juan in Puerto Rico. We want to thank  Maloman Photographers for sharing these incredible photos. Each event, from the engagement session to the reception, was personal, vibrant and beautiful. Take a look for yourself:

Engangement

 

 Sangeet

Wedding/Reception

Girish and Kirti

We just had another amazing wedding. Girish and Kirti were the sweetest couple and we could not be happier for them! The festivities began at the DoubleTree Tarrytown for their Sangeet where Kirti did a very special performance for Girish amongst the orange and pink décor. The wedding and reception took place at the Greeentree Club in New  Rochelle. There the guests found their seating cards hanging from a larger than life tree. The couple started the evening with their first dance, sweet and spicy, ending in a bachata. Everyone danced the night away and had an amazing evening. Congratulations to Girish and Kirti!

 

Wedding Nosh Online Style

One of the most important aspects about a wedding that guests will talk about is the FOOD. Foodtoeat.com offers a great online service that can help couples kick it up a notch culinary wise on their big day. Normally, you can use this website to order lunch via your local restaurant or neighborhood food truck, similar to ordering from Seamless and Grub Hub. However, in terms of catering for a big event, such as a wedding, this company introduces more vendors via their huge database, than most couples would have access to. They also help organize tastings for their clients, thus increasing ideas for more innovative catering options. One of the new trends: having a food truck as part of your late night reception activities or during brunch the day after the wedding. Take a look at this new trend of foodtoeat.com

Top 10 Last Dance Songs

You want everyone to end the night on an upbeat note. Let them end the night with something fun that they will remember for a long time. You want to bring out the positive energy that everyone is feeling on your special day. Here is a list of 10 songs to close the night with:

1. The Time - Black eyed peas
2. I've had the time of my life- Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
3. Forever- Chris Brown
4. Marry the Night- Lady Gaga
5. Raise your Glass - Pink
6. Last Dance - Donna Summer
7. Evacuate the Dance Florr- Cascada
8. You Make My Dreams Come True - Hall and Oats
9. Down - Jay Sean Ft. Lil Wayne
10. Footloose -Kenny Loggins

Top 10 Songs for Cake Cutting

So much sweetness goes into cutting the cake with your sweetheart, why not have a song to match? In no particular order, here are some of our favorites:

1. Michael Buble- How Sweet It Is
2. Archies- Sugar, Sugar
3. James Taylor- How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
4. Average White Band- Cut The Cake
5. U2- Sweetest Thing
6. Four Tops- I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)
7. Jason Mraz- I'm Yours
8. Michael Buble- Everything
9. The Beatles- All You Need Is Love
10. Natalie Cole This WIll Be (An Everlasting Love)

Top 10 First Dance Songs, Classic and Current

When choosing a first dance song most couples try to find that quintessential song that describes their love for one another and their special relationship. Some decide on a current song while others may choose something classic and a bit older. Here are the top classic and current songs that are perfect for the first dance.

1. Just a Kiss by Lady Antebellum
2. At Last by Etta James
3. Lucky by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
4. From This Moment by Shania Twain & Brian White
5. Marry Me by Train
6. It Had To Be You by Harry Connick, Jr.
7. Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
8. When I Fall In Love by Nat King Cole
9. Make a Memory by Jon Bon Jovi
10. Bless The Broken Road by Rascal Flatts
    
        

Places to Honeymoon in the US

For those of you who do not want to leave the US for your honeymoon we have compiled a list of amazing options for you and your significant other.

Saint Thomas - Frenchmans Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort
Saint John - Westin Saint John
Aspen, CO - Saint Regis Aspen Resort
Rio Grande, PR - Saint Regis Bahia Beach Resort
Haulālai, Hawaii -The Four Seasons Hualalai
San Francisco, CA - The Four Seasons San Francisco
Half Moon Bay, CA - The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
Vieques Island, PR -W Hotel
Scottsdale, AZ - The Phoenician
St. Croix -Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa
Kennebunkport, ME - Hidden Pointe Maine
White Sulphur Springs, WV -The Greenbrier
Berkshires, MA - Canyon Ranch

Custom Welcome Bags

One could spend hours trying to find a welcome bag that fits their wedding's theme.  Instead, why not just custom design a bag yourself?  With no extra cost for shipping, Love Totes Custom Party bags is the perfect company for the job.  Below is the link to get you started!

   http://www.love-totes.com/order-welcome-bag/build-your-tote/map-totes-wedding-welcome-bag

Top 10 Florida Hotels

Florida has always been a top destination for weddings. What is there not to love? Great weather, gorgeous beaches, fabulous restaurants and an amazing night life.  With so many fabulous resorts to choose from, here are are top 10 favorite:

1. Eden Roc Miami Beach

2. Fontainebleau Miami Beach

3. Harbor Beach Marriott Resort and Spa

4. Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa

5. Ritz Carlton South Beach

6. Loews Miami Beach

7. Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne

8. The Westin Fort Lauderdale 

9. The Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale 

10. Mondiran South Beach

Small and Simple Cocktail Centerpieces

Even though cocktail hour is only for one hour of your special day, you still want everyone to look around and enjoy and appreciate the decor. When you put even the simplest bit of detail it really will show guests how much care and effort you put into your day. Simple and small centerpieces for your cocktail hour is absolutely something that you should defiantly consider. The centerpieces will give your cocktail hour just the right amount of detail and beauty.

Tree-like Backdrops for your Reception

We recently did a wedding that had a tree-like backdrop for the sweetheart table. It was dramatic, whimsical and romantic. This design is a great scheme for both the traditional or modern bride. It can be embellished with candles and flowers or stay minimal for a more modern look. Whatever your taste this design is an amazing décor feature that should be considered.

Christian Louboutin Bridal Shoes

When it comes to weddings, most people pay their full attention on the dress.   Truth is, wedding shoes also play a huge role during your wedding.  As such, you need to purchase a pair of shoes that you know will make your wedding day one to be remembered for all times, and with the quality that comes with a Christian Louboutin, you can guarantee no matter the style it will be an unforgettable shoe.

The SJS App: To Be Wed

If you don’t know where to start when it comes to planning your wedding, SJS EVENTS has THE app for that.  Our app To Be Wed gives you a detailed checklist/to do list that guides you along your wedding planning process in a stress free, manageable time frame.  Throw the bouquet, and be on your way with features including: 

·        Set wedding date to automatically generate due dates for tasks


·        Live Countdown to your big day


·        Home screen quick view menu for access to To-dos, Sonal's social media links and more.

·        Fully customizable To-do list

·        Automatically created Scheduled To-do list


·        Share tasks with friends and family by email from the app


·        Set alarms to remind you of task due dates


·        Mark a task completed in the list itself


·        Set priority levels for each task

·        Expert advice/information available from Sonal for critical tasks

With the help of the SJS app, anyone can have a relaxing and enjoyable planning experience.

2012 Top Grand Entrance Songs

A question that keeps popping up when speaking with our brides is what are some relatively new, popular grand entrance songs?

In no particular order, here are some we suggest: 

1. Calvin Harris- Feel So Close 

2. Rihanna- We Found Love 

3. LMFAO- Party Rock Anthem 

4. Flo Rida- Good Feeling 

5. The Wanted- Glad You Came 

6. Cobra Starship- #1nite 

7. Chris Brown- Turn up the Music 

8. Outasight- Tonight is the Night 

9. Pitbull- Give Me Everything 

10. Calvin Harris- Let's Go

Sarena & Naitik on The Bride's Cafe

Our couple Sarena and Naitik's New York City engagement session made it on The Bride's Cafe! Indigo Foto took some amazing pictures of the couple. We can't wait for their wedding! See how adorable they are: http://thebridescafe.com/?postID=1816&nyc-engagement-session-sarena-and-naitik

Charger Plates for your Reception

Adding a finishing touch on the table at your wedding reception can be as simple as just adding one simple plate, called a charger plate. A charger plate is a decorative platter, larger then a dinner plate; it is not used for serving food, but rather used as a layering table accessory.  There are so many different charger plates that you can use at your reception. Choosing a brightly colored charger plate can help change the look at your reception completely. Take a look at some of the different options we suggest to use!

A list below of different types of charger plates:
-Metallic Bright Beaded
-Silver or Gold, Melamine Plastic
-Silver Beaded Glass
-Clear  or Colored Glass
-Crystal Beaded
-Porcelain
-Stainless Steel
-Birch Wood
-Decorative Metal
-Silicone
-Acrylic
-Embossed Ceramic

Different Shapes:
-Oval
-Round
-Square

Crystal Centerpieces

Many brides like to add a little bling to their big day and we are always big fans! However this detail is best done when kept as a subtle touch, because to much bling can get overwhelming

Check out some of out favorite centerpieces that will leave your guests dazzling: