It has been a crazy few weeks.
I am in Dallas this weekend working on a wedding. I was in Birmingham last weekend.
At least the economy has not really hurt the wedding business.
I am trying to keep up to write more blogs but I guess I am not really a true blogger.
We have a few more weddings until the 2008 season ends. We are getting lots of calls for 2009 which is great.
The truly exciting news is that we have changed our company name! Yes, we are officially Sonal J. Shah Event Consultants, LLC. It is so exciting to see my name on the company. Kind of scary but nice. We will be done with all changes by the end of this month or beginning of November.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Our Busy Summer
Our team has been busy this summer, and we have had quite a few weddings. We have been from Richmond to Washington D.C. to Upstate, Florida, and several in NYC. I cannot believe Fall is finally here.
Here is a look back at some of our weddings:
We did this lovely wedding in Utica, New York on Saturday, July 5 at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Before this wedding, I did not even know where Utica was!
The Sikh ceremony took place at the Turning Stone’s clubhouse. The inside décor was gorgeous with red drapery and a bench for the happy couple to sit on during the ceremony.
The family and guests took part in the garland exchange prior to the Sikh ceremony.
The Hindu ceremony took place in the back of the Turning Stone’s Lodge. It was decorated in red and gold with stunning red drapery surrounding the mandap. The aisle was covered with red rose petals in the shape of hearts (an idea our team came up with on the spot! ), making the whole ceremony look very romantic and the guests were stunned!
Sunitha and Ronjit looked adorable in their horse and carriage for their Vidhai.
The reception took place later in the day. It was held in the Turning Stone’s exquisite Oneida-Mohawk ballroom, which looked beautiful with the pink up lighting. The décor of the reception was a deep gold and bright pink!
The table settings at the reception had beautiful gold charger plates and pink napkins.
We did a wonderful wedding at one of my favorite venues in the City, Gotham Hall.
It is an old bank building in the middle of Herald Square and the decor was breathtaking. Milan and Jeff got married here on Aug 2nd. The father of the bride could not stop thanking us.
Ceremony Setup:
One of my favorite reception photos: Yes, I took this photo!
Bridal Party ready to walk down the aisle.. how cute are these kids?
Then we get to one of my favorite weddings this summer... Roshni and Kamal who got married Aug 30th in Long Island.
Top to bottom this was a fun, fun, fun wedding to plan. The couple was just so cute (my favorite word).
Decor we did lilac and silver for the reception and a very traditional mandap for the ceremony:
The mandap was hugh for the ceremony! The bride and I wanted to add in the green to the mandap.
I almost got a tear in my eye when I first saw her doli.
The bride posing with the photographer for a photo... so lucky to get this beautiful shot.
Finally, at around 6:00pm, the box that I had been waiting for all day finally arrived! THE CAKE, THE CAKE, THE CAKE!!! Roshni's cake had finally arrived!
I cannot express in words how magnificent the cake was that Mrs. Weinstock did for Roshni! It was better than I could I ever would have thought! That was one of the things that Roshni had dreamed of! I loved that she puts her signature glasses in sugar on all her cakes... those glasses!
The centerpieces,lilac lighting, white dance floor, sheer curtains, all worked together to create the most stunning look..
Just a few of our summer weddings. I will write more tomorrow about some of our other brides from this summer.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
DOs and DON'Ts of Bridal Registry
I found a great article on wedding registry “DON’Ts” on CNN’s website. It’s straight to the point about the things you should and shouldn’t worry about while registering. There are great tips - from making sure your groom is involved (even if it’s just a little), to what to do if you receive something you don’t want or need.
I’ve also put together some helpful “DOs” and additional “DON’Ts” to also keep in mind while registering. Check them out below:
1. Do be organized.
It’s easy to get scanner-happy, and start scanning items you may not have been planning on wanting beforehand, so make sure to keep a list of what you want and what you have already registered for. That way, you won’t end up with three of the same wine glass sets.
2. Don’t choose too many stores.
It’s perfectly fine to register at more than one store, but don’t overdo it. Giving your guests up to four registries to choose from is a great idea; try choosing one store for china, one for furniture, one for bedding, etc.
3. Do make a day of it.
Registering can be very stressful, and that’s why you shouldn’t rush through it. Make sure to plan to be in the store or seated at your computer for a long time (or at least a few hours). To help make it more fun, treat yourself and your partner to a nice meal before or after to congratulate yourselves on a job well done.
4. Don’t follow the trends.
The seasonal items may look great right now, but in a few months time (especially if your wedding is many months away) they may be out of style, or out of stock. It’s best to register for items you know will still be in the stores by the time your guests decide to start purchasing. Try to keep it classic, and you won’t go wrong.
5. Do register for what you want.
Even though it is smart to keep classic choices in mind while registering, it is becoming popular to register for interesting items, too. Even if your guests might not want to pitch in for your honeymoon suite, you can still register for it!
6. Don’t be picky, be gracious.
If a guest buys you a surprise gift that you don’t like, try not to stress over it. You may find that in time, it will be in style, or can be used in the household. Make sure to thank them as graciously as you would for a gift you love.
7. Do know the return policies.
Make sure to check the return policies of the stores you are registering with. Some stores allow returns for up to three months after the wedding, but some have earlier dates. A few stores have even been known to set the return date for the day of the wedding!
8. Don’t forget to send thank-you cards.
After the honeymoon is over—literally—you and your other half should get yourselves ready to thank everyone who supported you during the wedding, and especially those who took the time to pick out a gift. Hand-written cards always seem more personal, but keep it simple by thanking them for attending and/or their gift. By keeping the message short and sweet with a personal touch, your guests will appreciate your gratitude.
I’ve also put together some helpful “DOs” and additional “DON’Ts” to also keep in mind while registering. Check them out below:
1. Do be organized.
It’s easy to get scanner-happy, and start scanning items you may not have been planning on wanting beforehand, so make sure to keep a list of what you want and what you have already registered for. That way, you won’t end up with three of the same wine glass sets.
2. Don’t choose too many stores.
It’s perfectly fine to register at more than one store, but don’t overdo it. Giving your guests up to four registries to choose from is a great idea; try choosing one store for china, one for furniture, one for bedding, etc.
3. Do make a day of it.
Registering can be very stressful, and that’s why you shouldn’t rush through it. Make sure to plan to be in the store or seated at your computer for a long time (or at least a few hours). To help make it more fun, treat yourself and your partner to a nice meal before or after to congratulate yourselves on a job well done.
4. Don’t follow the trends.
The seasonal items may look great right now, but in a few months time (especially if your wedding is many months away) they may be out of style, or out of stock. It’s best to register for items you know will still be in the stores by the time your guests decide to start purchasing. Try to keep it classic, and you won’t go wrong.
5. Do register for what you want.
Even though it is smart to keep classic choices in mind while registering, it is becoming popular to register for interesting items, too. Even if your guests might not want to pitch in for your honeymoon suite, you can still register for it!
6. Don’t be picky, be gracious.
If a guest buys you a surprise gift that you don’t like, try not to stress over it. You may find that in time, it will be in style, or can be used in the household. Make sure to thank them as graciously as you would for a gift you love.
7. Do know the return policies.
Make sure to check the return policies of the stores you are registering with. Some stores allow returns for up to three months after the wedding, but some have earlier dates. A few stores have even been known to set the return date for the day of the wedding!
8. Don’t forget to send thank-you cards.
After the honeymoon is over—literally—you and your other half should get yourselves ready to thank everyone who supported you during the wedding, and especially those who took the time to pick out a gift. Hand-written cards always seem more personal, but keep it simple by thanking them for attending and/or their gift. By keeping the message short and sweet with a personal touch, your guests will appreciate your gratitude.
Unique Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are an important aspect of your wedding; they are a way of saying thank you to your guests, and with increasing travel costs it is really a great way to show your appreciation. However, it is important to find something all of your guests will enjoy, and also has a special touch.
Edible wedding favors are always terrific gifts for your friends and family. By picking out a few favorite chocolates or candies, you are sharing your personal tastes. Another idea is to pick out a few of your favorite coffees and teas for guests to try. You can get these products from wedding vendors, such as http://www.americanbridal.com/, and they can even be personalized to match the theme of your wedding.
One different idea is to give each guest a bottle of your favorite wine. But instead of handing out a common wine found at any liquor store, get more creative. Research the area around where your wedding is taking place and see if there are any vineyards close by. With every sip, your guests are reminded of the great memories of your wedding!
Some couples give back to the community on their special day. Instead of a gift for each guest, the newlyweds will use that money to donate to their favorite charity in the name of their guests. Not only does this show gratitude to your guests, it also benefits the community. One option is to pick the charity yourselves, or at the reception give your guests a few different organizations to choose from, and after the wedding make a donation in their name.
Another wedding favor everyone loves is a candle. You can take a simple votive candle and have it monogrammed to commemorate your special day. With the many different scents and colors candles are available in, the options are endless. Gel candles can even be made with decorations in them, like seashells for a beach-themed wedding.
Whatever way you choose to thank your guests on your special day, try and add some sort of personal touch, it really shows your appreciation they were there and they’ll have a reminder too!
(Photos Courtesy of:
http://images.theknot.com/blimages/1110996592210676m.jpg
http://www.fantasticfavors.ca/images/seashell%20gel%20candlesmall.jpg)
Edible wedding favors are always terrific gifts for your friends and family. By picking out a few favorite chocolates or candies, you are sharing your personal tastes. Another idea is to pick out a few of your favorite coffees and teas for guests to try. You can get these products from wedding vendors, such as http://www.americanbridal.com/, and they can even be personalized to match the theme of your wedding.
One different idea is to give each guest a bottle of your favorite wine. But instead of handing out a common wine found at any liquor store, get more creative. Research the area around where your wedding is taking place and see if there are any vineyards close by. With every sip, your guests are reminded of the great memories of your wedding!
Some couples give back to the community on their special day. Instead of a gift for each guest, the newlyweds will use that money to donate to their favorite charity in the name of their guests. Not only does this show gratitude to your guests, it also benefits the community. One option is to pick the charity yourselves, or at the reception give your guests a few different organizations to choose from, and after the wedding make a donation in their name.
Another wedding favor everyone loves is a candle. You can take a simple votive candle and have it monogrammed to commemorate your special day. With the many different scents and colors candles are available in, the options are endless. Gel candles can even be made with decorations in them, like seashells for a beach-themed wedding.
Whatever way you choose to thank your guests on your special day, try and add some sort of personal touch, it really shows your appreciation they were there and they’ll have a reminder too!
(Photos Courtesy of:
http://images.theknot.com/blimages/1110996592210676m.jpg
http://www.fantasticfavors.ca/images/seashell%20gel%20candlesmall.jpg)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
New Color Schemes
With an Indian Wedding, almost all of our clients want to do new color schemes instead of the traditional Indian colors of burgundy and gold or red and gold. For the ceremony, it is ok to go with other colors! We have been telling our brides to take a fresh approach to color. I mean, come on, how many Indian Weddings have you been to where the colors are Red and Gold?
In recent months, especially with Fall just around the corner, we have been recommending colors that are more daring. Hear are some ideas:
Rust orange and gold
Bright orange and brick
Hot pink and light pink ( my personal favorite)
Yellow and Fuchsia with accents of gold (looks stunning outdoors)
For the reception, you can really go wild with color. For example:
We love the peacock color scheme of teal and royal blue
Orange and grey was one I read about in Bride's Magazine
Aubergine (purple) and teal with gold is very dramatic
Light pink with royal blue is another
I always hear from our brides, "I want my wedding to be unique". The best way to do this is to stay away from color schemes that are used by the majority. Be creative and take a chance on color. Remember to get a great lighting company to help you create a magnificiant overall color in the room. Your guests will walk in and be amazed! Isn't that what we all want?
In recent months, especially with Fall just around the corner, we have been recommending colors that are more daring. Hear are some ideas:
Rust orange and gold
Bright orange and brick
Hot pink and light pink ( my personal favorite)
Yellow and Fuchsia with accents of gold (looks stunning outdoors)
For the reception, you can really go wild with color. For example:
We love the peacock color scheme of teal and royal blue
Orange and grey was one I read about in Bride's Magazine
Aubergine (purple) and teal with gold is very dramatic
Light pink with royal blue is another
I always hear from our brides, "I want my wedding to be unique". The best way to do this is to stay away from color schemes that are used by the majority. Be creative and take a chance on color. Remember to get a great lighting company to help you create a magnificiant overall color in the room. Your guests will walk in and be amazed! Isn't that what we all want?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A Day at the Spa—the Perfect Stress Reliever!
Weddings can be stressful, and it’s natural to want some rest. It’s also the perfect excuse to spend a day at the spa. Pre-wedding pampering is always a great stress reliever before your wedding day, and it’s an amazing gift to show your appreciation to your bridal party for all their help and dedication throughout the nuptials.
I recommend that my brides take at least one day to relax before their weddings. With the tranquil atmosphere found in many spas, believe me, you will leave feeling refreshed and anxiety free.
There are so many spas that have great wedding packages that are not only therapeutic (facials, massages and wraps) but also cosmetic (manicures, pedicures, hair and makeup). They even have group packages for your entire wedding party to take advantage of!
The best luxury spas can be found near your wedding location. I’ve found that nearly every hotel and resort has one, so finding somewhere to accommodate you and your bridal party is simple, just make sure to book one in advance.
Here’s a helpful website that you can search for reputable spas near you:
http://www.spafinder.com/spas/day-spas.jsp
My favorite spa in the whole world is…
http://spa.jwdesertridgeresort.com/
I recommend that my brides take at least one day to relax before their weddings. With the tranquil atmosphere found in many spas, believe me, you will leave feeling refreshed and anxiety free.
There are so many spas that have great wedding packages that are not only therapeutic (facials, massages and wraps) but also cosmetic (manicures, pedicures, hair and makeup). They even have group packages for your entire wedding party to take advantage of!
The best luxury spas can be found near your wedding location. I’ve found that nearly every hotel and resort has one, so finding somewhere to accommodate you and your bridal party is simple, just make sure to book one in advance.
Here’s a helpful website that you can search for reputable spas near you:
http://www.spafinder.com/spas/day-spas.jsp
My favorite spa in the whole world is…
http://spa.jwdesertridgeresort.com/
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Creative Centerpieces
Centerpieces play a huge part in setting the theme for the reception. Lately my brides have been making very unique choices when it comes to these decorations. I decided to compare some of the ideas that I’ve encountered and give my opinion on what looks good.
This centerpiece is one of the larger ones. It makes a powerful statement when guests walk into a room. The vases are tall, and there are only a few on each table, which can make a distinct impression. All of the linens and chairs are white, so the pink crystals stand out. The crystals, colored to match the flowers, create a beautiful effect in the evening as they reflect the lighting. I really like the color pink, but what also appeals to me is the use of the crystals to offer different moods throughout the night, especially if you are going to have lighting changes.
This centerpiece is elegant and sophisticated. The white hydrangea give the room a very romantic feel. The orange flowers color this centerpiece, making it a little more modern. I like that the vase is not filled in this centerpiece, as it is easier for guests to see one another across the table and enjoy each other’s company. Along with the chocolate linens, this centerpiece offers a romantic, warm feel for the reception.
The trend is also to do mixed centerpieces. It is best to be able to give some height to the room but also do low centerpieces with a variety of vases. This is yet another very modern look we see around New York City.
You can always save on the flowers and do candle centerpieces. I love this one that we saw a photo of..
The main idea is to keep your centerpiece unique and reflecting your taste.
A new trend for centerpieces is the use of fruit; I showed an example earlier how Nishma and Neerav used oranges in their centerpieces, but any fruit can work. The whole centerpiece can be just fruit or fruit can be mixed with flowers to create a great focal point for the table. By alternating the fruit in vases filled with water, the fruit stays fresh. It also adds color and brightness to the design. I have to say that this is a great idea for a more modern couple.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Bridezilla!
I read this in a magazine when I was on a plane...
"My coworker is getting married, and she's turned into a complete bridezilla. I could write a movie script about the living hell she's put all of us through. In spite of my total lack of interest in such things, I've learned about "hot colors" and theme consultants and catering contracts and handmade stationary and persnickety musicians who break their contracts in favor of better -paying gigs. The only part of this wedding I am looking foward to is when she leaves on her honeymoon.
She hasn't done half her job for the past month. She has a special "wedding" cell phone. and although I might wait for days for a response to a simple email query, that wedding phone is answered in a nanosecond, even if we're all in a meeting and even if the boss is visiting from upstairs.
I'm a single guy. I don't have kids. I don't date anyone from work. I just do my job and don't complain. I don't understand why certain people have these insane priviledges just because they have sick kids, get engaged, have an attack of melodrama, or whatever. Should I start a movement for non-prima-donna right? Any advice on how to cope would be appreciated."
-Weary in New Jersey
Why label a bride a "bridezilla"?
This week, I have heard so many people refer to a bride as a bridezilla. It kind of throws me off as there is a lot of details when it comes to planning. So, does questioning, negotiating and calling 10 times a day make you a bridezilla?
The answer is NO!
I have brides who try to negotiate prices and they are called "Bridezilla".
I have grooms who are highly involved and they are called "Groomzillas".
I always find it funny how these labels come to be.
I really feel that this is a special, and most of the time, a very expensive day. A bride or a groom has the right to be demanding in their needs. I know I drove everyone around me crazy when I was getting married. It can become overwhelming for a bridde. Many people do not realize that planning a wedding can be or become a full time job. That's why hiring a wedding planner (like us, of course) can help! Our goal is to get the bride (and family) organized, allow her to focus on her career and not drive the groom crazy! We also give the bride an outlet to talk about her wedding and voice her concerns without being critical.
We want everyone to have a happy planning experience!
"My coworker is getting married, and she's turned into a complete bridezilla. I could write a movie script about the living hell she's put all of us through. In spite of my total lack of interest in such things, I've learned about "hot colors" and theme consultants and catering contracts and handmade stationary and persnickety musicians who break their contracts in favor of better -paying gigs. The only part of this wedding I am looking foward to is when she leaves on her honeymoon.
She hasn't done half her job for the past month. She has a special "wedding" cell phone. and although I might wait for days for a response to a simple email query, that wedding phone is answered in a nanosecond, even if we're all in a meeting and even if the boss is visiting from upstairs.
I'm a single guy. I don't have kids. I don't date anyone from work. I just do my job and don't complain. I don't understand why certain people have these insane priviledges just because they have sick kids, get engaged, have an attack of melodrama, or whatever. Should I start a movement for non-prima-donna right? Any advice on how to cope would be appreciated."
-Weary in New Jersey
Why label a bride a "bridezilla"?
This week, I have heard so many people refer to a bride as a bridezilla. It kind of throws me off as there is a lot of details when it comes to planning. So, does questioning, negotiating and calling 10 times a day make you a bridezilla?
The answer is NO!
I have brides who try to negotiate prices and they are called "Bridezilla".
I have grooms who are highly involved and they are called "Groomzillas".
I always find it funny how these labels come to be.
I really feel that this is a special, and most of the time, a very expensive day. A bride or a groom has the right to be demanding in their needs. I know I drove everyone around me crazy when I was getting married. It can become overwhelming for a bridde. Many people do not realize that planning a wedding can be or become a full time job. That's why hiring a wedding planner (like us, of course) can help! Our goal is to get the bride (and family) organized, allow her to focus on her career and not drive the groom crazy! We also give the bride an outlet to talk about her wedding and voice her concerns without being critical.
We want everyone to have a happy planning experience!
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