Linen Tips

When creating your table assignments one of the most important things to know is how many guests fit per table. There are so many different table sizes that at times this can become a little tricky. We found the charts below which make it super easy not only to figure out how many guests you can accommodate on a table, but it also lets you know what size linen or overlay you would need. 

The most common table sizes are Banquet Tables of 6' and 8' feet, Round Tables of 60" and 72", 60" Square Tables and 36" Cocktail Rounds. Ask your venue what table sizes they have in their inventory and then follow the guides below. 

SJS Real Weddings: Maneesha & Abi!

As you will have gathered from our last blog post, last week we flew down to Mexico to help Maneesha and Abi celebrate their wedding in front of friends and family who had come from all over the world to join in the festivities. 

The gorgeous and tranquil Fairmont Mayakoba resort in Cancun played host to the weekend’s events, which kicked off on Thursday evening with a Welcome Fiesta. Guests were greeted with personalized welcome bags and were later treated to authentic Mexican food and live entertainment from a Mariachi band.  

Friday saw a lively Sangeet take place, with performances by a host of the couple’s family and friends. New York based chefs from Tulsi catering left guests raving about the food while music from DJ Raj Entertainment kept everyone on their feet well into the night. 

London-based photographers Vivida were also on-hand throughout the weekend to take some beautiful shots. 

On Saturday, the couple were married outdoors in a beautiful ceremony presided over by Pandit Jagdish Trevedi, with spectacular décor from Planner1 Events. 

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour al fresco and then a Reception in the resort’s Mimosa Ballroom where the newly married couple made their grand entrance. It truly was an amazing few days and we wish our wonderful couple every happiness for the future!

Live Blog: Mexican Destination Wedding

Today we are live blogging directly from the Fairmont Mayakoba resort in Cancun, Mexico. We are really excited to get this weekend’s celebrations under way. It all kicks off tonight with a welcome fiesta under the stars, during which a variety of Mexican food will be served and guests will be treated to music from an authentic Mariachi band.

As more guests begin to arrive, tomorrow evening will see a beautiful Sangeet with more delectable delights from New York-based caterer Tulsi, and music and dancing all night long from DJ Raj Entertainment. The extensive resort grounds will play host to a beautiful ceremony and reception on Saturday with guests expected to come from all over the world to help the happy couple celebrate.

-2 days until Mr & Mrs!

Real Weddings: Puja and Roger

Saturday was a jam packed day with not only one, but two ceremonies to celebrate the love between Puja and Roger.

It all started with a morning non denominational ceremony followed by an afternoon Hindu Ceremony. It was great to see how two cultures combined into one.

The night ended with an "enchanted forest" theme at the reception, with the Manhattan Skyline as the backdrop. The Peloton group went above and beyond with the decor which left guest speechless as they entered the ballroom.

DJ Manan kept the party going all night, while Moghul Caterers left guests raving about the delicious food. The bride even surprised the groom with an "At At" replica grooms cake that left guests in awe.

We can't wait to see all the photos and videos from Damion Edwards, he gave us a sneak peek with his fantastic same day edit at the reception and they look stunning!

Congratulations to Puja and Roger!

Our Favorite Things to do in Dubai

As we gear up for one of our early 2015 weddings in exotic Dubai, we are reminded of what an enticing, vibrant and fabulous destination this city really is! If visiting, it would be criminal to leave without sampling some of the local sights, so whether you are there for a celebration, a vacation or even a short business trip, here are some of our favorite activities that we hope you will find time to squeeze into your schedules:

Gold Souk 

The Gold Souk is a traditional market that is located in the heart of Dubai's commercial business district in Deira. The souk consists of over 300 retailers that trade almost exclusively in jewelry. A trip to the Gold Souk truly demonstrates why Dubai has earned itself the title City of Gold. It's worth visit even if you have no intention of buying, just to soak in the hustle and bustle of urban life and the busy street atmosphere.

Dubai Mall

This is the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination and the world’s most-visited shopping and leisure destination, has approximately 1,200 retail stores over 200 food and beverage outlets so there will always be something for everyone.

Burj Khalifa 

This is the tallest building in the world. At The Top on the 124^th floor you can find an observation deck offering unrivalled views spanning the entire city, open daily from 9am to 12pm. If you’re feeling like extending your visit, try the cuisine in the fine dining restaurant on the 122 floor. Reservations are mandatory. 

Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is the world's largest choreographed fountain system set on the 30-acre manmade Burj Khalifa Lake, at the center of the Downtown Dubai development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The fountain is animated with performances set to light and music. It is visible from every point on the lake promenade and from many neighboring structures. Performances take place at 1:00 pm and at 1:30 pm as well as every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 10 pm on weekdays, and from 6 pm to 11 pm on weekends (weekends being Thursday, Friday, and Saturday).

Camel trekking

Take a half-day tour and experience riding a camel across the desert before spending an evening of entertainment at a traditional Bedouin desert camp. The camels will be ready to take you into the Arabian Desert to feel the rhythm and beauty of the vast landscape. You will end up at the traditional Bedouin desert camp by sunset, where Arabic hospitality awaits you with a welcome drink of Ghawa and dates. Attracting people from all over the world, the entertainment in the desert camp includes a Tanoura dance show, henna painting, a shisha corner, and traditional costumes in which guest can take pictures. Enjoy a perfect evening as the BBQ buffet dinner is served. The evening finishes with a spectacular belly dance show before you are dropped back off at your hotel.

Golfing

Emirates Gold Club was the first all grass championship golf course in the Middle East when it opened in 1988. Taking pride in its 36 holes of world-class golf, the club sports two of the city’s finest must-play courses, the Majlis and the Faldo Course, which is also the only 18-hole course in the region to offer night golf. Both courses combine the natural rolling desert terrain for a serious golfing test, while the signature clubhouse remains the most eye-catching in the region. The Emirates is also so much more than a golf club, serving as the premier address for all things leisure. Its appeal is equally wide-ranging off course, with everything from fine dining to bar bites available alongside top-notch pool and gym facilities, tennis courts and a brand-new spa.

Questions to Ask Your Mehendi Artist

Getting bridal mehendi is one of the most important traditions in Indian culture. Henna was originally used as a form of decoration for brides that could not afford a lot of jewelry. Today, brides continue this tradition by getting their mehendi done a few days prior to their big day. When hiring a mehendi artist its important to you book someone that has experience and uses the best products.

Here are some great questions to ask your mehendi artists before signing the contract:

1. Do you charge per hour or per design?
2. Do you made your own henna? If not, where do you get it from?
3. How long does bridal mehendi take?
4. How many guests mehendi can you do in 1 hour?
5. What can I do to make my mehendi last longer?
6. How long have you been doing this?
7. What is your booking policy? Do you book more that one event a day?
8. Will you do a complimentary trial?
9. Do you do your own designs or copy from books?
10. How should I take care of my mehendi so that it lasts longer?
11. Do your prices include travel and parking charges

Wedding Theme: Rustic Wedding

Rustic weddings have grown in popularity in the last few years. There is something about the romantic, southern charm aspect of the design that appeals to brides everywhere. If you are looking to incorporate some of these elements into your big day, without breaking the bank, here are a few of our favorite ideas: