Vendor Profile - Federico Salon!!

So you found the right dress but what are you going to do with your hair? Having a beautiful wedding day hair is just as important as the flowers you pick. From head to toe you should love the way you look. For tips on wedding day hair, I turned to an expert Federico of Federico Salon. Federico is a celebrity hairstylist with over 20 years experience. Once you walk into his salon, you feel welcome and pampered and that’s exactly how a bride should feel on her wedding day. With Federico, you don’t have to be a star to get the star treatment. Federico and his wonderful assistant stylist Bianca have been working together for 15 years and they are wedding day hairdo pros. They don’t just style your hair; they look at all the aspect of your wedding and create a wedding day style that will compliment your wedding day look. Federico has also worked with Kleinfeld for their bridal fashion shows to help style their models for the runway. If Kleinfeld can trust him then I know I do!! Federico and his assistance Bianca offered a couple of great tips that I thought were very helpful.





1) To ensure healthy wedding day hair, be sure to continuously trim your hair as it grows.
2) You should consult with your stylist 3 months before your wedding to get ideas on your wedding day look.
3) Keep an open mind! Sometimes what you think you want is not the best style for you.

Thanks to Federico and the entire staff for welcoming me into your fabulous salon!!






Happy Planning,

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

Kleinfeld Sample Sale!!

One of my favorite bridal salons is having their annual sample sale. This is a great opportunity to get a fabulous gown for a great price!! It takes place on Tuesday, February 3rd from 3pm to 7pm and there is no appoinment necessary. Get their early because the lines will be long!!

Happy Planning and Happy Shopping!!

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

Holiday Proposal Contest

Since Valentine's Day is approaching, I've decided to extend the Holiday Proposal Contest until March 31st!! Now all my soon to be engaged couples can have a chance as well. I've received several entries and I'm enjoying reading all the love stories. There can only be one winner but for all couples that enter the contest, you will receive $150.00 off of any planning package you choose!!

Happy Planning,

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

Happy Birthday To Me!!!!!!!

(that's me!! on my 3rd birthday)

Today is my birthday!! I do try to keep my blog wedding related only but I’ll make the exception just this one time. Every year for my birthday, I make birthday wishes for my new age and give thanks for the things I accomplished during my previous age. So this year, I thought I’d share it with you.

Wishes!!
To plan as many fabulous wedding as possible
To meet as many wonderful wedding industry professionals as possible
To attend as many wedding industry expos and events
To inspire and help as many brides as possible
To learn, to be inspired and be fulfilled each day

Thanks!!
I’m thankful for the website that was revamped. The previous site was so bad!!
I’m thankful that I started a blog. I don’t know what I would do without it now!!
I’m thankful for the followers of my blog. Thanks for the support!!
I’m thankful for the opportunity to meet Sylvia Weinstock and Mara Urshel of Kleinfeld
I’m thankful for my staff, family and friends that continue to love and support me.

Married Away!!

Destination Weddings are becoming extremely popular. Many couples choose this route because for one let’s face it, it’s a vacation and who doesn’t love that. Two, many feel it’s easier than the traditional wedding. A destination wedding is a wonderful way to tie the knot but there is still planning involved. Here are some planning tips to help all my married away brides get started.

1) Send save the dates to your guest at least a year in advance. This gives your guest time to plan and save for the trip. Include your destination, the date (of course) and if possible the hotel accommodations.

2) Create a wedding website to update your guest on accommodation information, passport/visa requirements and the schedule of events that maybe taking place. Be sure to include your website on your save the dates. You can easily create a website on many wedding sites for free. http://www.theknot.com/, http://www.mywedding.com/, http://www.ourweddingday.com/

3) Do your research before making your final decision. Get recommendations and read reviews from other couples that have gotten married at the resort or venue. Also take a tour before booking. Don’t rely on the web for all your research.

4) Hire a wedding planner/coordinator in the destination you have chosen. They are familiar with the local vendors and can do the research on your behalf. Hiring a planner from your home town is also helpful and you get the one on one attention you may need. A good planner can plan a wedding any where!

5) Negotiate a group rate with for your airfare and hotel when booking for 10 or more guest.

Even though this is a destination wedding, there are some fundamental planning steps that cannot be over looked. Take a look at a my previous post on what to do when you first get engaged. http://coutureventsbyd.blogspot.com/2009/01/congrat-you-said-yes-so-now-what.html

Happy Planning,

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

Honeymoon Registries

(CoCo Reef Resort, Tobago)

I was on a short vacation last week to visit my mother in the Caribbean; Trinidad to be exact!! While I was there I was inspired by so many things but today I will start with Honeymoons!! Honeymoon registries that is!

Do you already live with your fiancé and don’t want to end up with 5 gravy bowls at your bridal shower? If so, a honeymoon registry is the perfect solution. Honeymoon registries have become very popular because today many couples are living together before they tie the knot. It’s also saves money and who doesn’t like a bargain? You can register for an upgrade to your honeymoon sweet, air miles, water sport activities or a romantic beach front dinner. The price range is great too. It gives your guest so much to choose from. There are many destinations to choose from as well. From exotic Africa to the romantic Caribbean, you can find a honeymoon registry. I love this idea because it saves you money, helps your bridal shower guests pick a great gift and it adds so much fun to your honeymoon. Here are some sites that offer these services:

http://www.travelersjoy.com/
http://www.thebigday.com/
http://www.thehoneymoon.com/

From Swimsuits to Coats!!

Well I’m back to the cold weather of NYC!! Although I enjoyed my vacation and time with my wonderful family, I missed blogging!! So much to blog about!! I was inspired by so much while I was on the beautiful Island of Trinidad and Tobago. The food, the beach, the people, it was great! But while I was gone, I was tagged by Lisa of Elite Affairs!! Thanks for the blog love!!

Here are my picks!!

Affairs with Elegance
Affairs to Remember
After Yes and Before I Do and Everything In Between
Be Inspired
Bride Sophisticate
By Your Side Events
Lisa of Elite Affairs

Living the Good Life
The Wedding Workroom
Weddings by Socialites

Happy Planning,

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

But Honey Its Cold Outside!!

It’s the coldest day of the year but I’m couldn’t be happier today because tomorrow I’ll be on a flight to the sunny island of Trinidad & Tobago!! But before I go, I had to share a story of a wedding I planned back in January of 2005. This called weather jogged my memory.

My clients hired me only 2 months before their wedding after the bride realized that planning a wedding for more than 200 people was a little bit too much for her to handle. So I stepped in and handle all the open items. She needed a photographer, videographer, favors, centerpieces, and bouquets. The biggest dilemma was the RSVPs. She had inadvertently sent the invitations with no response card so I had the lovely task of calling all of the guest for their replies. But we got it all done and the plans were looking good. On the day of the wedding, everything was running smoothly. I made all of the bouquets, vendors were confirmed, deliveries were in route and the bride was calm. Then I opened my front door to leave and what did I find, 6 inches of snow and there was no end in sight. By the time the wedding was suppose to start, NY was blanketed with a foot more. This clearly presented a bump in the road but I remained calm and proceeded with the day. In the end, the wedding was perfect! Despite the delay because of the snow storm, everything went very well. All of the guest had a great time, the bride and groom were happy and I now have a funny story to tell!!

(program and bouquet designed by Couture Events by D)

I’ll be back in a week with more tips, advice and inspiration!!

Happy Planning,

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

Holiday Proposal Contest

Today is the first day of the Holiday Proposal Contest!!

Did you know that most engagements happen between Thanksgiving and New Years? Are you one of those newly engaged couples? If so, share your love story and the details of your engagement with Couture Events by D and you can be the lucky winner of our Couture Platinum Package!! This is the full service wedding planning and design package worth $3,500.00 and you can have all for free!! This package includes full wedding planning and designing. We will help you choose your vendors, budget management, full wedding day coordination, wedding design assistance and help you every step of the wedding planning process.

Here’s how to enter:
In 1,000 words or less tell me about you, your proposal and your love story. Please be sure to include you and your fiancé’s first and last names, location, contact information, a picture and your tentative wedding date so I can ensure availability. The contest begins January 15th and ends February 15th. The winner will be chosen on February 28th by me and my staff. Your wedding must be taken place in New York City and the Long Island area during 2009 or 2010. Email your entry to contest@coutureeventsbyd.com

Good luck to all the newly engaged couples. I’m so excited to hear your love stories and the proposals.

This is why I love my job!!

I just thought I’d share this lovely compliment I received from my former client! Her wedding was back in October but still love knowing that I made her day so special for her. This is truly why I do what I do!

"I love my album and everything about my wedding was just wonderful. It really was one of the best days in my life. It was drama free and everything went off well. I am happy I chose a wedding over a new kitchen. The kitchen just could not compare to the memories I will have forever." Takiyah H.

It's nice to know that I made someone this happy!! Thanks Takiyah for all your praises and referrals!!

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: My wedding day is May 2011, when is the right time to start planning my wedding?

A: On average, couples start planning their wedding 18 months in advance. There is a plus side to early planning. You will have a lot more time to save for your wedding and you may be able to get 2009 rates for your 2011 wedding. The down side is wedding trends change every year. You may fall in love with something this year and by next year you will change your mind. To avoid that problem, I would suggest that you don't make any final decisions on decor, themes, colors or more importantly your dress before you reach the one year mark. Save your ideas and if you still love them one year before your wedding, then go for it!! As for vendors and venues, feel free to shop around and see what's out there. Chances are if you like a particular venue/vendor, you will still like them a year later. Just be sure to know their payment and refund policy if you decide to change your mind.

Happy Planning,

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

Holiday Proposal Contest!!

Did you know that most engagements happen between Thanksgiving and New Years? Are you one of those newly engaged couples? If so, share your love story and the details of your engagement with Couture Events by D and you can be the lucky winner of our Couture Platinum Package!! This is the full service wedding planning and design package worth $3,500.00 and you can have all for free!! This package includes full wedding planning and designing. We will help you choose your vendors, budget management, full wedding day coordination, wedding design assistance and help you every step of the wedding day package.

Here’s how to enter:

In 1,000 words or less tell me about you, your proposal and your love story. Please be sure to include you and your fiancé’s first and last names, location, contact information, a picture and your tentative wedding date so I can ensure availability. The contest begins January 15th and ends February 15th. The winner will be chosen on February 28th by me and my staff. Your wedding must be taken place in New York City and the Long Island area during 2009 or 2010. Email your entry to contest@coutureeventsbyd.com

Good luck to all the newly engaged couples. I’m so excited to hear your love stories and the proposals.

Location, Location, Location!!

Choosing a location for your reception is a big part of your wedding plans. 50% of your budget will go into your reception. Most of your wedding day will be spent in this location. Your choice should reflect the overall style of your wedding and it should work with your budget. These factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a location. Here are some tips to guide you in your choice.

Banquet Halls and Hotels:

The Swan Club, Roslyn Harbor New York

Pros: Banquet halls and hotels are a classic choice for weddings. They provide everything you need under one roof. Food, alcohol, linens, china and silverware!! It’s very convenient and you won’t have to worry about a thing.
Cons: There isn’t a lot of wiggle room for personalization. If the carpet is pink then you are stuck with pink carpet. Most venues do not allow changes to fixed objects. But not all is lost here; you can still make it your own by changing the linens and adding some lighting.
Who is this venue for: The couple that wants a traditional style wedding. Perfect for

couples with a large guest count because these venues can usually accommodate large parties.

Loft Spaces:

Studio 450, New York, NY

Pros: A loft space is a great venue for a wedding. You have an empty space to design any way you wish. Loft spaces are my favorite spaces to work with. You have total freedom to be creative.
Cons: The downside to loft spaces is you have to bring in everything. You must hire an off premise caterer and bartender. You also have rent linens, tables, chairs and silverware. Logistically, this can be a lot to do on the day of your wedding but with the right team of people it will go off without a hitch. You can also get a preferred vendors list to help you find everything you need.
Who is this venue for: The couple with a modern style and wants to make their wedding reflect their personal style.

Unconventional Venues:

Central Park Zoo, New York, NY(photo credits: New York Weddings.com)

Pros: If you want something different for your wedding, consider museums, vineyards, the zoo, a tent or even an aquarium. These sites add a unique element everyone wants for their wedding day.
Cons: Like loft spaces, you have to provide everything to accommodate your guest and this may include a portable kitchen and bathrooms.
Who is this venue for: The couple with an imagination and always dears to be different.

Happy Planning,

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

How Much Does That Cost?

Setting a budget is very important when planning a wedding. No matter the size of your budget, you should know how much you are willing to spend before you start spending. Many couples spend more than they would have liked and I believe it’s because they never really set a budget to begin with. Not only do you need to know how much you are willing to spend but you also need to know how to spend it. There are many elements that go into planning a wedding and they all come with a price tag. To help you allocate your funds, here is a chart that I use to help my clients allocate their budget.

Reception 50%
Photography 12%

Flowers/Decor 10%

Apparel 8%
Transportation 5%

Rings 4%

Music 3%

Stationary/Printing 2%

Gifts & Favors 2%

Ceremony 2%

Misc/Accessories 2%

Another helpful way to allocate yourbudget is to prioritize the things that are important to you. List all the categories in order of importance to you. The items at the top of your list are where you can splurge and the items at the bottom are where you can be more flexible with your selection.

Remember no matter the size of your budget; keep the number in mind when you are searching for venues and vendors. You should know how much to allocate to each category before you agree to anything. If you go over in one category, you should be willing to make up the difference in other areas to help keep you within your budget. If you saved in one category, you can take that extra money and splurge on something else!!

Setting A Date

As I mentioned yesterday, I’m dedicating some time to all the newly engaged couples. So this week is all about tips and advice for them!!

For 2008 the most popular date to get married was 08.08.08. This year 09.09.09 will not be as popular because it’s a Wednesday but I’m sure some couples will choose this date. A Wednesday wedding is very uncommon but there are some of benefits to this 09.09.09 date. A week day wedding cost much less than a weekend wedding. Most venues, if not all have a lower fee during the week. If you are planning a wedding on a budget, this may be the date for you. I know of you are thinking, A Wednesday Wedding, no way!! But I think this can be a wedding all of your friends and family will remember. Your wedding is already unique, it’s on a Wednesday!!

Here are some other dates to consider:

Holiday Weekends:
Pro: You can have a Sunday wedding with a Saturday night feeling. Most people don’t have to work the next day so you can have that evening wedding you always wanted.
Con: Some people plan vacations during those weekends so you risk the chance of losing some guests. Also if you have out of town guest, traveling during the holiday is usually cost more.

Friday or Sunday Weddings:
Pro: The fee for your venue of choice is usually lower than a Saturday. These days will help save a couple of dollars per head.
Con: For Friday, people are you usually coming straight from work and you may run the chance of people running late and you may not want to inconvenience your guest. For Sunday, people have to work the next day if it’s not a holiday weekend. Bottom line it’s not Saturday and some people just like the Saturday night wedding.

Saturday Weddings:
Pro: Saturday night is the most popular day to get married. Your guest are available to attend and it’s the most convenient day of the week.
Con: It’s the most expensive day to get married. The average Saturday night wedding cost $150.00 per person, you can have the same menu on a Friday or Sunday for an average cost of $100.00 per person. That's a big savings!!

Are you getting married in 2010? Well consider this date . . . . . . .

It has a nice ring to it and it's a Sunday!!

Happy Planning,

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

Congratulations!! You Said Yes, So Now What?

Congrats to all my newly engaged couples out there!! I’m sure many of you are still on a high and your mind is racing with ideas for your big day. I’m sure you have a lot questions and concerns too but don’t panic! Take a deep breath and keep reading . . . . . .

For newly engaged couples, they usually have a hard time getting started with their wedding plans. They are not sure what to do first, where to begin or when to begin. To help all my newly engage couples, here are the items you should focus on now:

Nine Months and Earlier

1) Choose the type of wedding you want: This will set the tone of your wedding. All of your decision will be based off of this choice. Do you want a traditional, contemporary or theme wedding? It’s important to know what you want before you start your purchasing items and booking vendors. You want to make sure all the elements of your wedding have a cohesive look and feeling.
2) Choose a wedding date: This is an easy one and it goes without saying but choosing a date can be a little more calculated than you think. It may be a date of sentimental value, the date that fits your busy life style or if you’re budget conscience it will be the date that gives you the best bang for your buck.
3) Determine a budget: Very important!! Your budget has an effect on all of your wedding plans. No matter how big or small your budget is, it’s important to know how much you would like to spend. You don’t want to start booking anything without knowing your budget because you may choose one element that will take you over budget before you get a chance to book any of the others.
4) Consolidate a guest list: Before you book a venue, you need to know if the space can accommodate the number of guest you are having or that you will have enough guests to meet the spaces minimum. Also your guest count will go hand and hand with your budget. The more guests you are having, the more money you probably spend on your wedding.
5) Reserve your ceremony and reception site: Once the first four decisions are made, you can move on to site selections. It’s important to book as early as you can because many places go fast. Remember there are only 52 weekends a year!!

I hope this helps all the newly of the new engaged couples out there. Stay tune for more planning tips, advice and inspirations. During the month of January, I will be focusing on advice for the newly engaged so be sure to check in for those. While you plan your wedding, just remember to have fun with it, be happy and enjoy every moment of the planning process!!

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year everyone!! I hope everyone enjoyed their New Year’s Eve and New Years Day. It’s a brand new year and there will brand new wedding tips, advice and inspiration for your enjoyment. 2009 will have more real weddings, vendor interviews, fun ideas and lots of budget friendly tips. I’m extremely excited about The Holiday Proposal Contest I have coming soon, stay tuned for details!!

I’m looking forward to 2009 and all that it brings. I hope to help as many happy brides as I possibly can. Also don’t forget to submit your planning questions to DJoseph@coutureeventsbyd.com . Any planning dilemma you may have, I can help!!

Happy New Year and Happy Planning!!

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