Happy Holidays

As the year comes to an end, I would like to take this time to say thank you to all of my former clients, new clients, colleagues and everyone that has supported Couture Events by D in 2008. It was a great year and it couldn’t have happen without the love and support from all of you.

I would like to give a special thank you to my fabulous staff, Misti, Renee, Alliesha and Sheldon. No event is successful without your help. I wish you all a happy and healthy 2009.

Happy Holidays and I will be back in the New Year with more tips, advice and wedding inspiration!!

Please Be Seated!!

I found these lovely place card holders at http://www.beau-coup.com/ . These will work great for a holiday or a winter wedding. The silver sphere will add a great holiday touch to a Christmas theme wedding because of they resemble ornaments but without looking too much like Christmas. They also work well for winter weddings. The silver adds an icy winter feeling to a winter wonderland wedding.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Wedding Coordinator Vs. Wedding Planner

I just read a very helpful blog on the difference between a wedding coordintor and a wedding planner on www.weddingbeepro.com and I thought I would share with all the brides out there who are looking for a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator. This blog helps distinguish the difference between the two and helps you get a better idea on deciding what you need for your wedding day.

I consider myself to be a wedding planner and designer. My services provide guidance and support through out the wedding planning process. I advise my clients on every aspect of their wedding. From choosing the right location to the perfect shade of purple!! I am a designer for two reason; 1) I have a backround in floral design and I've created all my past clients floral designs for their wedding and 2) Designing a wedding is not just about flowers, it's about taking a vision in bringing it to life by including all of the elements of a wedding. You have to consider color palettes, location, attire and stationary. All of these elements tie into the design aspect of wedding planning.

So brides as you search for a wedding planner or coordinator, this blog will help you make the choice that's best for your wedding plans. Take a look at the article from here:

http://www.weddingbeepro.com/2008/12/17/wedding-coordinator-vs-wedding-planner/

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Red Inspiration Board

The color red is a great color palette for a winter wedding. It works well with an array of accent colors. If you are getting married during the winter months, adding silver and black will make for an elegant winter wedding. For a Valentine’s Day inspired wedding, red is a beautiful display of the color of love. Flowers come in many shades of red. Using these different shades will add depth and texture to a simple floral arrangement. You’ll be surprised how elegant a cluster of red carnations can look!!

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

(photos courtesy of www.theknot.com)

6,000 Wedding!!

On the same day I received a question from a bride on a budget, I also read an article on www.essence.com about a couple who spent $6,000 on a wedding!! UNBIEVALABLE!! Judging from the pictures, the wedding turned out to be pretty nice. Here are some of the pictures from the wedding and for more on how she did it all for $6,000 go to http://www.essence.com/relationships/advice/articles/budgetbride?xid=120808-ENews-Friday-BudgetImage

For all my brides out there, please keep in mind this woman lives in Atlanta so this may not be possible depending on where you live. What she accomplished was remarkable and kudos to that bride but please keep in mind it takes a lot of hard work, a lot of time and research to accomplish what she did.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Ask The Planner

Q: Hi Deniesha, My finance and I come from huge families, do you think it's possible to have an elegant wedding with 200 guests on a budget of 15k. Please let me know if you think I'm daydreaming.

Thanks a bunch!

A: I tell all my clients anything is possible depending on the choices you make. Like most brides, I'm sure you want a wedding that you and your guest will remember forever. My honest opinion is you will more than likely have to increase your budget by at least another 10k. But I do have some tips on how to save.

1) Choose an off day for your wedding date. The most expensive day to get married is a Saturday night. Fridays and Sundays are usually cheaper at most venues. Even consider a weekday if possible. An early Sunday afternoon wedding is the cheapest and most convenient option.

2) Keep your menu and bar selection simple. Instead of serving 3 choices for your main course (chicken, beef or fish) just serve chicken. Most people eat chicken and if you have some guest with special dietary needs, like vegetarians, you can ask your caterer or venue to have those meals prepared as well. There is usually no extra cost for this. If you are getting married in a venue where you can bring in your own caterer, have a buffet instead of a sitdown dinner.

3) Be a DIY!! If you are a crafty person, take on some of the wedding day projects yourself, like invitations, programs or favors. There are many DIY kits out there that are fabulous.

4) Look out for sales! When shopping for items like your wedding day attire, look out for sample sales and trunk shows. You can get a beautiful dress at a great price.

5) Shop around and be creative. When you are searching for vendors, like photographers, videographers, or DJ's look around for vendors that may be starting out in the wedding industry. They are willing to offer their services at a discount or sometimes free in exchange for exposure, a recommendation and the opportunity to increase their portfolio. Be sure to make an appointment to view their portfolio and if possible read some reviews from former clients.

6) Track your spending. Keeping track of your spending will help you stay on top of your budget at all times. So when making your selections you will always know how much money you can spend on that particular item. I strongly recommend this because as time goes on you book vendors, you buy things and before you know it, you are way over budget.

Many brides on a budget think they cannot afford a wedding planner but that is not that case. Hiring a planner will save you time and money. A good wedding planner will help you find vendors that suit your budget and give you guidance along the way. I've worked with array of budgets so I know exactly what you are going through.

I hope I was able to help and feel free to contact me if you ever have any more planning dilemmas.

Happy Planning,
Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by DDesigned by me,
Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Holiday Save The Dates

I’m a big fan of getting double use out of one item for weddings. This helps save a couple of dollars and these days every single penny counts!! So this year when you send out your holiday cards, have them double as save the date cards as well. You’ll spread holiday cheer while getting the word out about your wedding. I found these holiday cards at www.weddingpaperdivas.com

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

What Shall She Wear?!

Ok this is not wedding related but I love everything fabulous. The Inauguration of President Elect Obama is expected to have the largest crowd in history. While I am extremely excited and proud of our first African American President, secretly I am waiting at the edge of my seat to see what the ever so stylish First Lady Michelle Obama will be wearing to the Inauguration Ball. I know it’s not wedding related but I’m sure we can get inspired by the color or style choice of her gown. Here are some my favorite sketches of her possible choices. She really can’t go wrong with any of these. Photos courtesy of http://www.wwd.com/

Peter Som

Oscar de la Renta

Michael Kors

Diane von Furstenberg

Nicole Miller

Carolina Herrara

Monique Lhuillier

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Kleinfeld Trunk Show

Hello Brides, I received an email from Kleinfeld about an upcoming trunk show.

Hope you can take advantage of this opportunity!!

Douglas Hannant, successful woman’s wear designer popular on the socialite set, showed his first bridal collection in October and this new collection will debut December 5 – 7 at Kleinfeld. Kleinfeld co-owner and buyer, Mara Urshel, was impressed with his fresh bridal designs and we look forward to seeing the bride’s reactions next weekend at the trunk show. By appointment only.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713