Attention all foodies! I’ve been toying with one of Cuisinart’s newest additions: the Elite Collection 14-cup Die Cast Metal Food Processor. Ever since I embraced the slow cooker, I’ve been channeling my inner-appliance-using self.
A reader asked if it was proper etiquette to invite your hairstylist and makeup artist to the wedding. The short answer is no, not necessary, unless your relationship is more than professional and you consider them good friends. But since I was having my straggly locks trimmed last night anyway I decided to go right to the source and ask my own hairstylist extraordinaire, Patrick Danek, for his thoughts on the topic. After all, throughout their careers, Patrick and his business associate, Mitchell Behr, have helped make hundreds of brides look beautiful at weddings all across the country from the east end of Long Island to California and even Argentina!
Patrick concurred that it was not necessary to extend an invitation unless you were already friends and if you do invite your stylists, make sure it’s not just verbally. Always send a formal invitation. “Otherwise, if it’s asked so casually, I probably wouldn’t go,” he said. He also advised that you always do a dry run and make an appointment to see your hairstylist and makeup artist well before the wedding day. He noted that although most brides come to their appointments with photos of long, wavy hair in hand, they often change their minds and opt for something more “special” like an up-do or a style that they wouldn’t wear every day. After all, the hairstyle and makeup should be every bit as spectacular as the gown, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the right look. And do listen to advice from your stylists: They truly want you to be happy and look gorgeous!
So thanks for the tips and a great haircut, Patrick, and Mitchell, I promise to go see Avatar soon.
Posted by Diane at 2:22 p.m.
global goss.:
Having spent the bulk of last year gearing up for the Super Boda (wedding in Spainsh), my travel adventures weren’t as often as I prefer. One thing that I’ve promised myself I’ll do this year is a self-improvement retreat that focuses on fitness and introspection in a fantabulous locale free of the trappings of my regular life. Years ago I spent a week at surf camp just north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and it truly changed my life perspective. And weeks before my wedding, I climbed the awesome Machu Picchu. Aside: There’s an amazing account of my trip to Peru in the current issue, so check it out!
This year I’d like to work on my breathing and yoga and see some more of Asia. Enter stage left: The new Leela Travel, a boutique tour operator that specializes in earth-friendly (and all-levels) yoga retreats. The group promises introspective adventures in remote, eco-friendly spots with pro instructors, amazing food and the opportunity to give back to the community. Itineraries include surfing and Vinyasa in Nicaragua, Ashtanga and Ayurveda in India, and eco-adventure and flow on a private island resort in Thailand. With all-inclusive pricing starting at about $1,200 a person, these retreats are just as easy on the wallet as they are the earth. For more information, go to leelatravel.com, and make sure you told them Jenna sent you! Namaste.
Here’s a quick idea for all you Budget-ettes out there. A survey conducted by our friends over at David’s Bridal has found that brides are still feeling the burn from the economic slowdown—even when it comes to weddings. Take a peek at a website called eDivvy.com, which promises to help you reduce spending throughout the planning process. (I can’t guarantee anything—but it’s worth a look!) For instance, they offer a way for your pals and family to chip in for one really nice gift, as well as an option for guests to actually contribute to the big day—pitching in for flowers and photography, for example. See what you think!
Posted by Susan at 3:12 p.m.
For more information, visit:
jlmcouture.com
verawang.com
clairepettibone.com
aimee.it
Posted by Naima at 10:43 a.m.
Looking for something fun and funky to spice up your table decor? Then you have to check out Harvard Sweet Boutique. The founder, Susan George, creates avant-garde centerpieces from stylish favor boxes that are artfully stacked on the table. Not only does this save you on floral arrangements, but it also provides a tasty treat that your guests can take home. All their cookies and other goodies are made in small batches from all-natural ingredients, and can be delivered to any part of the country. There are lots of styles to choose from, but check out harvardsweetboutique.com to see what’s right for your special day. Cheers!
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Posted by Aimée at 5:21 p.m.
global goss. & extravagant item:
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Hey there, honeymooners. Have you got half a year and 60 grand to burn? Then this is the trip for you! The Silverseas Cruise line just announced an intiniray that circumnavigates the globe, hitting 60 different destinations in 25 countries. The ultra luxe ship departs from Los Angeles a year from now and docks in Southhampton 119 days later.
Along the way, passengers are promised amazing land excursions such as touring top wineries in Australia, shopping at a traditional souk in Dubai and having a private tour of the mind-blowing Picasso Museum in Barcelona. Onboard you’ll be treated to dream-worthy cuisine on offer at six different eateries, a ship-shape spa, Bulgari in-room prods (my absolute fave) and private butler service—oooh, la la. Shorter segments of 30 days or more are also available. But those booking the entire 119-day extravaganza (starting at $61,924) receive a $2,000 onboard credit as well as roundtrip business class air, private airport transfers and four complimentary world-cruise events. Go to crowncruisecollection.com for more information. And smooth sailing!
Posted by Jenna at 3:26 p.m.
For more information, visit:
jennypackham.com
priscillaofboston.com
verawang.com
moniquelhuillier.com
inesdisanto.com
Posted by Naima at 10:26 a.m.
A couple of nights ago Diane Forden and I taxied over to the W Hotel in Union Square for David Tutera’s book-signing party. (I wrote about the book a couple of blogs ago—scroll down!) Tons of you “real brides” were there, mingling in the ballroom and enjoying cocktails and wedding cake while waiting for a glimpse and an autographed book. When he appeared on stage, there was so much screaming and picture taking I thought, Wow, David’s getting to be as popular as the Beatles! He took questions from the happy crowd and gave a shout-out to us Bridal Guide ladies in the back, and then off we went.
Now I’m putting my budget guru hat back on to quote a morsel of wisdom from David’s Big White Book of Weddings: “If you’re in a bind with affording a big wedding, do just a cocktail party reception. If you have to choose between doing something big on a sparse budget or doing something small with a grander budget, choose the latter—your guests will enjoy it more!” So be it!
Take a look at these fun shots from the event:
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Featured: Finest Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
