From A Former Bride to Future Brides

Over the weekend, I was doing my usual wedding industry research on the web. I stumbled across a new blog Adventures In Wedding Planning. This post caught my attention because I’ve had similar experiences with potential clients. I so desperately want to work with them and help them plan their wedding. Not because I just love wedding planning but because I can see this person seriously needs the help. Even when they don't choose me, I hope that hire another wedding planner.

In this posting, Melissa of MasterPiece Wedding potential client didn’t hire her because they wanted to save money and in the end she regretted. These were the brides words not the planner by the way. Before you make another plan for your wedding, I strongly suggest you read this article. It will give some insight from a former bride that went through exactly what you are going through right now.

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

GetMarried Magazine

Sunday night I attended the GetMarried Launch Party and it was so much fun!! It was great to be amongst other wedding professionals and of course the chance to meet the people behind GetMarried!! Especially Stacie Francombe the publisher!! She was the hostess with the mostess.


Bigger than the great time I had at the party, this magazine is AMAZING!! I couldn't put it down and I'm still going through all the great details. Brides, you must get yourself a copy. Not now but right Now!!

To get the a free copy of the first issue just click here: GetMarried

You Don’t Need A Wedding Planner . . . . .

April Fools!! You should have known that was a joke being that I am a wedding planner!! I hear this all the time, “I can do it myself” or “My family can help me out” or “I can’t afford a wedding planner”. These are the biggest misconceptions brides have all the time. The truth is none of these statements are true and let me tell you why.

You cannot do it all yourself. If you have already started planning your wedding, you probably already realize how much goes into planning your wedding and how much time it takes. You may also realize how much you didn’t know about planning a wedding. The planning process is so much fun and if you are not having fun then you should rethink not having a planner. A professional wedding planner can advise you during the planning process. Your wedding planner will help you find the right vendors, help you chose a realistic budget, etiqutte advice and most importantly, put the fun back into planning your wedding. Another issue to think about is what is going to happen on your wedding day? You cannot be the bride and ensure everything is running according to plan. Do you really want to make phone calls to vendors while you do your makeup? I don’t think you do!! You and your fiancé should be relaxed and your only concern should be to focus on getting your ready for your wedding. So even if you want to plan your own wedding, you should consider investing in a planner for day of coordination services.

Your Aunt Susan throws great holiday parties but she is not a professional. We all have family members who are reliable and are great host/hostess but the truth is they are not wedding planners. They don’t know as much as you think they do. Planning a wedding takes much more than someone who casually host events for their friends and family. It takes a wedding professional to orchestrate the many details that go into planning a successful wedding. No offense to Aunt Susan but it takes a lot of know how to plan a wedding. When I first started out, it was because of my experience of planning parties for family and friends. However, I did a lot research and networking within the wedding industry before I started my company. I quickly realized there was a lot I needed to learn. Planning a wedding for 150 is not the same as planning a party for 50 of my closest friends and family. Also wouldn’t you like all of guest to feel like a guest? Let your family enjoy your wedding day because weddings are about your families too.

The cost of a wedding planner is feasible and worth every penny. Many couples still believe that hiring a wedding planner is a luxury, this is not true. Speaking from experience, I’ve worked with couples and their budgets ranged from 20k to 75k. In the end they all received the same quality of service. Of course there are wedding planners that you cannot afford but there are also many you can afford. Just like all your other vendors, shop around until you find the right one. Also most wedding planners have different packages to choose from and you can get the package that works best with your budget. Having a professional to oversee the most important day of your life is not a luxury but an investment.

Of course I may seem bias to the idea of hiring a wedding planner but this is not about me. It’s about me helping as many couples as I can even if you don’t choose me to be your wedding planner. When you hire a wedding planner, you are getting quality service, knowledge, professionalism, creativity, guidance, stress reliever, a personal assistant and a guarantee that someone has your best interest in mind at all times. I hope I have helped convince some of you that are on the fence and for those that weren’t even considering hiring a planner please reconsider!!


Happy Planning,

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

Ceremony Decor

Although you will spend most of your wedding day at your reception, your ceremony is just as important. This is when you and your groom officially become husband and wife. It’s a special moment and the décor should reflect that magical moment. I must admit, I am not a fan of spending a lot of money on ceremony décor, especially when you are working with a tight budget but I am an advocate for making the space look great. When choosing your ceremony décor, there are some things you should consider. If you are getting married in a church, synagogue or any other house of worship, the setting may not need a lot of décor. You can keep it simple with flowers with ribbon or tulle for the pews/seats.

Photo Credits: Project Weddings

Photo Credits: Project Weddings

If your ceremony is taking place in a non-traditional setting, like a park or beach, let nature be your back drop and add an arch or chuppah as you focal point.

Photo Credits: Theknot.com

Photo Credits: Project Weddings

Many couples are opting to have their ceremony on the same grounds of the reception. In this situation, you may have to add a little more to make the space look more like a ceremony. Choose a focal point, arrange you seating accordingly and don’t forget the aisle.

Photo Credits: Theknot.com

Photo Credits: Project Weddings

Photo Credits: Theknot.com

Happy Planning,

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

Addressing Invitation – the not so fun part!!

Sending out your invitations is a daunting task but it has to be done. Properly addressing them can also be a headache. With all the different kinds of families, couples and name options there are today, it can get tricky. Here are some guidelines to help make the process a little easier.


Unmarried woman over 18 or divorce woman who retains her maiden name
Outer Envelope: Miss (Ms.) Jane Doe

Inner Envelope: Ms. Jane Doe & Guest

Divorced woman who uses her married name

Outer Envelope: Mrs. Jane Doe

Inner Envelope: Mrs. Jane Doe & Guest

Unmarried or Divorce man

Outer Envelope: Mr. John Doe

Inner Envelope: Mr. John Doe and Guest

Married couples

Outer Envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Doe
Inner Envelope: Mr. & Mrs. Doe

Married couples and their family

Outer Envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Doe

Inner Envelope: The Doe Family

Married couple when the woman uses her maiden name

Outer Envelope: Mrs. Jane Jones, Mr. John Doe

Inner Envelope: Mrs. Doe Mr. Doe

Unmarried couple that share the same residence, address alphabetically by last name same rule applies for same sex couples

Outer Envelope: Ms. Jane Doe & Mr. John Frank

Inner Envelope: Mr. Doe, Mr. Frank

Unmarried couple who do not share the same residence. You should send the invitation to the friend that is closest to you. Same rule applies to same sex couples

Outer Envelope: Ms. Jane Doe

Inner Envelope: Ms. Jane Doe and name of guest if obtainded

Children over 18 should receive their own invitation even if they still live at home and their parents are invited to the wedding
Outer Envelope: Ms. Jane Doe
Inner Envelope: Ms. Doe

Keep in mind, if you decide to hire a professional calligrapher to handle addressing your invitations, you will need to provide them with this information.

Happy Planning,

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

Flower Alternatives

I love flowers!! I think a wedding is not a wedding without flowers. My love of flowers is the reason I studied floral design and took classes to learn how to create beautiful designs myself. However, there many brides that hate flowers for one reason or the other. Either they are allergic or it’s just not their thing. So I thought of some alternatives for those anti flower brides out there.

Ostrich feather centerpiece with lighting http://www.wholesaleeventsolutions.com/

White branches with hanging flowers or candles http://www.spitzandpeck.com/

Votive candles with a floating candles and flowers as the main center piece http://www.projectwedding.com/

Candles in different heights and different size containers with some flower petals to add color to the guest tables. http://www.projectweddings.com/

As much as I love flowers, I do appreciate a change of pace. Having a candle light reception is elegant and so romantic. The glow from the candle light adds a warm glow to your reception. So for all the Anti Flower Brides out there, please know that all is not lost. Your wedding will still be fabulous even without flowers!!

Happy Planning,

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

Day of Coordination Special

Couture Events by D is offering $200.00 of our Day of Coordination Package for all the couples getting married during 2009!!

(click on picture for package details)

You have successfully planned your own wedding but now you want to sit back, relax and be a bride. Our Day of Coordination Package is the perfect package for you. This Package is for the couple that has successfully planned their own wedding but don’t want to stress over all the details on their wedding day. You want to relax and enjoy the fruits for your labor. We will be there to orchestrate the wonderful details you have so carefully put together. Six weeks before your wedding we will discuss all your arrangements and any incomplete task that need to be take care of. Then we will work diligently to pull all your plans together and add any final touches you may need. Then on the day of your wedding, we will be there for you from the time you get dressed until you take your last dance. Pricing begins @ $1,200

For more information, feel free to contact us to schedule a free consultation!!


Happy Planning,

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

Kleinfeld Bridal Buzz

I got some bridal buzz from my friends at Kleinfeld and I had to share it!!

Be sure to check out the trunk shows taking place this month. Designers Kirstie Kelly, Pnina Tornia, Kenneth Pool and Ian Stewart will be having trunks shows this month.

Check out the trend forecast, the little white dress!

Kleinfeld has teamed up with Valerie Wilson's Travel, Inc to offer exclusive honeymoons specials.

And my the news that I am most excited about, Kleinfelds will be joining the blog world!! Coming soon, "Behind the Seams" I can't wait!!

Visit www.kleinfeldbridal.com to make an appointment and more details!!

Happy Planning,


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