Vendor Spotlight: AZ Pops

When planning a destination wedding or an outside wedding for that matter one of the most important things to keep in mind is your guests comfort in the hot weather. Many of our clients choose to pass a refreshing snack during the ceremony to keep the guests cool!

Enter AZ Pops, this Arizona based company is known for their delicious Popsicles. They produce the Popsicles in all natural unique flavors. They can even customize your wedding colors with the Popsicles colors! AZ POPS will come out with a cool bicycle cart to serve you and your guests on your special day.

If you are planning a wedding in the Arizona area make sure to check them out!

Importance of your Wedding Invites

The first glimpse your guests will get into your wedding will be your invitation. Therefore it is very important that the design, theme and overall look goes hand in hand with the overall idea that you have for your big day!

If you are having a black tie event you wouldn't send a beachy invitation, same way if you are having a casual affair you should not send a elaborate invitation.

The design of your invitation can give many clues as to what your guests can expect at your events and you don't want to give off the wrong impression. Choosing colors, designs and a theme that matches your idea will get your guests expected for what's yet to come!

Professional Staffing for Home Events

When it comes to wedding planning, many families decide to hold a small event at their home before the big day. It may be a religious ceremony, breakfast, or welcome dinner. Regardless of the type of event, it is important to consider and book professional staffing services. Many don’t think about this but when it comes to the day of, if you don’t book this service it is up to you and your family to fulfill the necessary duties such as, greeting guests, cooking, setting up, serving drinks, replenishing the food and beverages, and cleaning up. This is not another home party but part of the wedding festivities and should be planned accordingly to allow you to enjoy the event and be as stress free as possible, as well as allowing it to run smoothly.

 

Here is a list of staffing that you may require for your home event:

 

1. Bartender
2. Server/ Waiter
3. Chef
4. Clean Up
5. Runner (To Replenish Food)

 

 

Blow-Out Bars

Blow-out bars are the latest beauty trend to hit America and are a great way to achieve an all-round great hair day with minimal effort involved!

At each Dry Bar salon this rapidly growing beauty trend showcases a unique blow-out only service not a scissors in sight! Its quick, it’s easy and most importantly leaves you feeling happy and confident!

With great styling options such as Mai Tai (loose beachy waves), Manhattans (sleek, pin straight locks), Southern comfort (Dallas inspired volume) and other signature looks you can’t go wrong when availing of this fantastic trend! With a flat rate price of $40 and an excellent service inclusive of a complimentary glass of champagne or wine during your appointment at Dry Bar you simply cannot go wrong!

This unique beauty notion was started in LA in 2008 and now boasts a collection of over 24 salons. With salons being found nationwide from the East coast to the West and everywhere else in between it won’t be hard to find a renowned Dry Bar located near you.

Wedding Planner for the Planner

As I prepare for my brother’s wedding this week I am now put into my clients’ shoes. I am on the other end realizing the group effort and the need for a wedding planner, first hand. As the planner you keep the client on task, help deal with vendors, create the timeline and play mediator, at times, with the families. Now the client and a professional planner, I need to juggle both roles, all while enjoying this special occasion in our family’s lives. A planner, no matter who you are, is a necessity to organize the events so you can have a successful wedding as well as allowing you to enjoy this once in a lifetime day.

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

From everyone at Sonal J Shah Event Consultants we wanted to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. This is a time for being grateful and thankful for the things in our lives. We are grateful to have amazing clients, staff and vendors to work with each and every day. We are thankful to be allowed to share this special time in our clients’ lives and we wish them many days of happiness.

To you and your family, may this time bring love and togetherness for this year and always!

 

 

Dulhania Bazaar South Asian Bridal Expo

We had the pleasure of participating at the Dulhania Bazaar South Asian Bridal Expo this weekend in Phoenix, Arizona. It was great meeting so many great vendors in the area and getting to know so many of you potential brides out there. We are looking forward to growing out business in Phoenix and getting to work with so many of you.

We also want to thank Reene from Wendell Design Group for taking the time to decorate our booth, we go so many great compliments of the centerpieces!

The Brac Reef

The Brac Reef is an award winning resort which acts as an idyllic destination haven for any small wedding. This charming, family owned resort set on four and a half acres of sand beach front offers a romantic and quaint ambiance to their cherished guests.

Aside from its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and tranquil atmosphere the Brac Reef is renowned for it’s in depth and extensive showcase of diving amenities. As a result the Brac Reef has become world famous with thousands of intrepid divers choosing to visit the Brac Reef for this sole reason.

The Brac Reef even provides their own caterer, wedding planner and professional photographer for those who are intrigued by this option. They also offer great package deals on weddings depending on the number of guests. Their staffs have been highly commended within every review found. Particular attention being paid to their friendliness and willingness to help throughout every aspect of your stay in this tropical paradise.

With other activities readily available such as snorkelling, kayaking, exploring, bird watching, fishing, rock climbing, bicycling and hiking there is sure to never be a dull moment in this fantastic destination.

For the Tech-Savvy Bride

Technology has become a part of our everyday lives, with smartphones being the center of our lives. They carry our photos, emails, music and with millions of apps to choose from they also help with our banking, entertainment, they can even start our cars! So why not let the little device make your wedding planning a little easier? Appy Couple, a new wedding app, can replace the traditional wedding planning methods, like building your own Web site, with an app for the tech-savvy, fast-moving and multitasking bride. You can stay in touch with your guests and organize events from your iPhones, iPads and Androids.

Appy Couple focuses on creating an interactive experience where the bride and groom can communicate with their bridal party and other guests. Using AppyCouple you can create a custom wedding app that matches the tone and motif of your wedding. You can include the story of how you met, engagement photos and special songs. A free coordinating Web site included with each custom app displays the same content as the app, and can be used by guests who don’t have a smartphone, or are not as tech-savy!

Once the app has been created, you can enter your guest list manually or upload it from a spreadsheet, and invite family and friends to access the app for free, using a special code. Each guest will then have access to information, including wedding events, dates, locations, travel accommodations and last-minute changes. There is also a privacy function that allows the bride and bridegroom to select certain guests, like members of the bridal party, to receive private messages.

All content, including messages and photos, upload in real time so guests and members of the bridal party can stay up-to-date (if they choose). Guests can also upload their photos and post messages and toasts on the couple’s message board. The fun part is that event If guests can’t make it on your big day, your wedding Web site will live-stream photos to your customized application!

Appy designs start at $49 and there are currently 100 designs to choose from!

Dream World Cirque

If you are looking to add some entertainment to your reception or pre wedding event look no further than Dream World Cirque. They offer a vast range of entertainers that will be sure to leave your guests speechless.

Here are some of their acts:

Cyr Wheel: Cyr wheel is one of the newest and most versatile circus apparatuses. Originated in 2003, the Cyr wheel is a giant metal ring in which the performer spins, hangs, and performs amazing feats of acrobatics which are sure to astound and delight any crowd.

Adagio: The duo adagio hand-to-hand performance incorporates incredible feats of strength and balance. There are so many possibilities for different storylines as the two partners interweave in a passionate dance, lifting, turning, and balancing high over each other, highlighting balance, strength, incorporating the male power and female beauty to balance & support each other.

Fire Performer: Whether you choose to add fire-dancing as atmosphere before the show, or acts during, it adds an element of excitement and exhilaration. The rushing sound of the flames rapid movement from the fans, hoop, and poi add a thrill of anticipation to the show.

Stilting: Stilt dancers & acrobats are a favorite choice for ambient greeting & strolling, as well as a great part of a show package. They dance, jump, do bridges, kicks, turns, break-dancing, headstands, & are awesome at rising above the crowd and entertaining guests by interacting and keeping them involved in what's going on around them.

Sphere Performance: Within a clear sphere the performer dances, contorts, hand-balances, & inhabits her small world. Can be performed on the ground, or floating on a pool, lake, or pond, either as ambient sets, or used as an entrance or a featured act within a stage show.

Pre Wedding Event Unique Venues

Choosing a venue to host your wedding events can be a tricky decision. The options are endless, from event halls to museums to hotels. Though must brides choose the traditional event hall or hotel we always like to suggest a fun alternative for your pre wedding events. Here are some of our favorite locations:

1. Church: It is a growing trend to convert old churches into venues. We love this because of the structural value of most churches. The architectural design and old time charm can add a special touch to any event. One of our favorite ones is Angel Orensanz in NYC. This intimate space is perfect for an engagement dinner or colorful Garba.

2. Club: If you are looking for a fun atmosphere that will keep your guests dancing all night long consider a club. Most of them will allow you to close the whole space for a rental and alcohol fee. Most clubs already have intricate decor which will save you on decor! Consider Greenhouse in NYC for your upcoming Sangeet or After Party.

3. Backyard: Many of our clients have a strong connection with the homes they grew up in and this always add a great sentimental value to any event. Why not have one of your pre events in the same backyard in which you have all your childhood memories? Depending on the size you can host anything from a small intimate party to a grand scale event. Consider incorporating some tents and if your budget permits even covering an existing pool for more space.

4. Hotel: Yes, hotels can be very traditional but there are many that offer modern ballrooms, terraces and open spaces. We love the Double Tree in Tarrytown. There ballroom opens up do their fireplace foyer which has floor to ceiling windows which offer a great view of the outdoors and the outside seating. Great way to combine all the elements.

5. Mansion: If you all looking for add some social charm to your event consider booking an old mansion for your event. This is always a great option because you can book the whole space for your event and it also gives you different rooms as options. Dancing can be in one room, dinner in another and so on. It's like having the event at your home without the mess. Make sure to check out Wainwright  House as a great option.

In Lieu of Favors

"In lieu of favors" is an idea that traditionally entails of the bride and groom making a charitable donation on behalf of their guests in place of choosing to present their guests with a physical favour on the day of the ceremony.

"In lieu of favors" is an ample idea leaving the bride and groom with the freedom to choose a charity which is close to their hearts and on some occasions the option to choose more than one meaningful charity to donate to.

Here are some simple guidelines which are notable to abide by when choosing to opt for in lieu of favors on your special day.

1) Make it a charity that is important to you and that you have some sort of connection to outside of the wedding

2) Sometimes it is best not to do cards for every table or every place setting or whatever. If you want to announce it, perhaps it is better to do so with some discretion and place a sign in an area of high traffic on the day like cake table or guest book table.

3) Don't do a favor on top of the donation that is themed to it, even if given out by the charity. However sometimes it is admirable to do both a small favour with a tag detailing about the donation made to the particular charity.

4)Do your best to ensure that it is not a controversial charity organization that some people at the wedding may be opposed to as this may create an unhealthy table time discussion at the reception!

All in all "in lieu of favors" is a pleasant way to donate to a charity which is close to your heart and leaves you with a securing sense of doing something charitable and worthwhile on your special day.

Designer Spotlight: Manish Malhotra

Earlier this week we introduced you to one of our favorite indian wedding dress designers. There are so many great designers that we love that we wanted to share another one. 

Here are some of our favorite pieces from Manish Malhotra

Insurance for your Wedding

In our society it is common to get auto and home insurance. These are large investments that need to be protected against accidents and natural disasters. The same should be applied to your wedding. Wedding insurance is very common and most couples purchase it to protect their investment. We all know weddings are an investment. A lot of time, effort and money go into planning a wedding and it should be protected as much as possible. When purchasing insurance you should get general liability insurance as well as any additional policies that may affect your event, such as flood insurance. Normally the type of wedding you are having and the time of year can suggest what type of insurance you may need. Always ask your venue if they require any additional insurance and make sure your vendors are insured, otherwise you may have to add them onto your insurance.

The cost is nominal and compared to peace of mind, it is priceless. The average 1,000,000 policy starts around $200.00. Some providers offer cancellation policies which cover cancellation or postponement, lost deposits, no show vendors and more, check with the provider. Do make sure you read the fine print as normally a cancellation due to a broken heart is not covered.

Here are some providers we recommend:

Wed Safe  

Protect My Wedding via Travelers Insurance 

Wed Sure

 

 

Designer Spotlight: Ritu Kumar

Many of our brides ask us for suggestion on great designers for Indian Wedding Dresses. We have so many great couture designers we love that we thought we would share a few with you. Here are some of the pieces we are obsessed with from Ritu Kumar