Living Art for Your Event?

Yes, living art! If this doesn't leave your guests talking, I don't know what will. We had the pleasure of meeting a part of the team from TEN 31 Productions recently at the Wedding Salon's Luxury Showcase(WSLS)in NYC.

TEN 31 specializes in high quality living art installations for your special event. Their performers are dressed like statues, trees, flowers and other costumes. Here are some of the real art they had displayed at the WSLA.








To see even more awesome creations by Ten 31, visit their WEBSITE.

Dress Pick of the Week: Demetrios Style 9645

Strapless, Basque Waist, Pull Up Skirt W/ Attached Train

To see this and other gowns by Demetrios, go HERE

Spring into Wedding Season with a BIG SALE

Need someone to manage your wedding day? We decided to do something special for all the 2009 brides.If you book our "day of coordinator" package between now and April 15, 2009, you will receive $100 off our regular price. You will also receive 100 personalized menu cards (single layer) at no additional cost.

What our package includes:

•Two in person consultations
•Unlimited contact by phone or email
•Follow-up with vendors prior to wedding day
•Assist bride with getting dressed
•Create wedding day timeline for bride and groom
•Act as your liaison
•Welcome vendors and oversee set-up
•Coordinate bridal party procession
•Handout final payments and gratuities to vendors
•Provide emergency kit
•Photography Coordination
•Ceremony and Reception site inspection prior to
commencement of event
•Work closely with maitre’d regarding reception timeline
•Collect all personal items at the end of the day


Restrictions:
This offer only applies to new clients
Your wedding must be in 2009
Dates are based on availability
Must book by April 15, 2009

We will be happy to schedule a free consultation. If you have any additional questions please feel free to call us 1-888-587-1441 or email us lisa@eliteaffairsllc.com. Visit our WEBSITE for additional services we offer

Wedding Salon Event (take a peek)

So yesterday I attended the Wedding Salon's luxury showcase at The Roosevelt Hotel, NYC. I had the opportunity to meet some awesome vendors and see some spectacular displays.Here is a little peek at some of the exhibitors' displays.

Mock Ceremony Set Up


Gorgeous Table Decor













Some of the yummy cupcakes




Ballroom Dancing (our friend Nathan from NY Wedding Dance)


To learn more about upcoming Wedding Salon shows, go HERE

Dress Pick of the Week:: Alfred Angelo 812

Alfred Angelo Style 812

Iridescent Satin, Metallic Embroidery
Crystal Beading, Sequins & Rhinestones
Mermaid Style Dress
Semi-Cathedral Train
Optional Beaded Straps

Available in Ivory/Metallic, White/Metallic, Seashell/Metallic





To view more styles by Afred Angelo, go HERE

The Wedding Salon invites you....

The Wedding Salon Extravaganza

Come see table decor, jewels, florists and much more. There will also be cocktails and complimentary beauty services.

The Roosevelt Hotel
March 23, 2009
4-9pm

For more info go to WeddingSalon

Color Your Wedding Day Shoes

We know you can add some color when it comes to bridesmaids dresses, table linen, flowers etc., but how about some color to your shoes? You and your bridesmaids could wear colored shoes on your wedding day. These make for lovely pictures, don't you think?





Will you or did you wear colored shoes on your wedding day?

Dress Pick of the Week:Camille La Vie

Check out this soft satin gown with jemstone trim and tulle train.






To see this and other gowns by Camille La Vie, Go HERE

Mark your calendars "Count Down to I Do"

Here is another opportunity for you to meet trusted vendors, be entertained and just go out and have a good time during the wedding planning process.

The Red Door Spa will be hosting a Count Down to I Do Bridal Expo on May 4, 2009

Red Door Spa
1399 Fraklin Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
6pm-10pm

Tickets are $25 but will be applied to a Red Door Gift Card for future use.

Call to reserve a spot 516-873-7053

Wedding Flowers:: Calla Lily

The calla lily is a very popular choice for wedding flowers. This trumpet shaped flower originated in Africa and is said to symbolize magnificient beauty. There are two common types available: one with a long stem and large head (appropriate for tall arrangements) and the miniature version (appropriate for nosegay bouquets and boutonnieres. The calla lily is available in creamy ivory, yellow, orange, mauve-pink and dark purple.



Did you know that the calla lily is also known as arum lily?

Who says you have to wear the traditional veil?

If you are taking a non-traditional approach to your wedding...why wear the traditional veil? I didn't go with the traditional headdress for my wedding and you don't have to either. There are so many different options out there and we thought you would like to see a few.

Vintage Inspired Bandeau


Hairpins with french lace, swarovski crystals and ostrich feather


Crystal Hair Vines


Silk Flower with Jewel Crystal


Credit: Images from HERE

Your Wedding Budget

We all know how expensive weddings can be, but it really doesn't have to leave you in debt.
It is very important for the couple and their parents (if contributing), to sit together and come up with a budget. Here are the major areas you will need to cover and the recommended percentage to spend on each area. These are just general suggestions, but may be very helpful in coming up with a preliminary budget.

The Reception 50%
Most of the budget will go towards the reception
Site fee (if any), bar, wedding cake etc.

Music 10%
Include ceremony, cocktail hour and reception music

Flowers 10%
You will need to include flowers for ceremony, centerpieces and personal flowers/bouquets

Wedding Attire 10%
Your dress, alterations, undergarment, jewelry/accessories, Hair, Make-up, Groom's attire

Photography & Video 10%
Engagement Shoot, Day of Video and Photo Package, Albums

Stationery 10%
Save-the-Dates, Invitations, Calligraphy, Postage (dont forget this),Programs, Placecards, Table Numbers, Menus, Guestbook, Thank you cards

Miscellaneous 10%
Rings, Gifts for Bridal Party, Marriage License, Rehearsal dinner, Transportation, Favors, Officiant fee etc.

It is very easy to go over budget. If you spend more or less on one area, you should take from or add to another area to balance it out.

Dress Pick of the Week

I just love wedding gowns!There are so many beautiful wedding gowns out there and I have decided to start doing a "Pick of the Week". Each Monday I will feature a dress that I think is oh so fancy and you get to tell me what you think. Give it a thumbs up or thumbs down!

Today, our pick is Sabelle by Maggie Sottero



One-piece, strapless, full A-line gown with lace-up closure. This striking silhouette, in rich Bordeaux Taffeta, features cascading bustles draped asymmetrically over an embellished lace skirt. Beaded lace accents the gentle sweetheart neckline and surrounds the signature lace-up back. Handmade flowers are nestled within the bustles of the skirt. This style is available with a stunning sleeveless, lace bolero jacket or embellished cap-sleeves.

Colors Available
White/White lace with Pewter accent, Diamond White/Diamond White lace with Pewter accent, Light Gold/Ivory lace with Pewter accent

To see more Maggie gowns, go HERE

Your Very Own Customized Wedding Song

You know you have to choose a First Dance Song for the wedding, but I bet you have never considered having a song written just for you and your new hubby.

Its More Than A Song was created by Ellen Warshaw to give couples the opportunity to customize their wedding song. Ellen will work with you to put together a song based on your experience and love for each other.
Your song can be written in any genre: rock, R&B, alternative, folk, country etc. More importantly....your song will be exclusively YOURS.

We personally love this idea and know that wedding budgets vary, so contact Ellen to see what she can create for you.

For more info go HERE.

Is that Chocolate?....Chocolate Invitations

Want yet another way to really WOW your guests? How about chocolate invitations? Yes, that's what I said....CHOCOLATE! CocoaWishes will design your chocolate invitation to match your theme. These invitations weigh approximately 4 ounces and come nicely packed in 5" lined boxes. You wouldn't have to worry about you invitations going in the garbage because these 100% edible treats would be enjoyed by all.
The invitations are available in milk, white and dark chocolate.
To see other chocolate products available go HERE

Donate your Bridesmaid Dress

Were you a bridesmaid that wore a dress for a wedding and you probably won't ever wear it again? Donate it for a worthy cause!

Modern Brides presents: Project Bridesmaids
Where?:Hammerstein Ballroom
311 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
When? March 7, 2009
Time? 12 PM - 5 PM

Join us for the Project Bridesmaids Event featuring Macy's, and donate your lovingly worn bridesmaid gowns to benefit the woman-empowering charity, Planet Hope. Come register with Macy's, check out must-have Macy's registry items, have a photo taken for your entry into the Modern Bride of the Year contest and receive special coupons from Macy's! Your donated bridesmaid dress also gets you in FREE for a full day of shows, makeovers, complimentary gifts, entertainment and shopping.

Want more info? Go HERE to RSVP

How to Hold Your Bouquet

Do you know how to hold your bouquet?
I have seen this way too often. The bride and bridesmaids are never sure how/where to hold their bouquet. I usually instruct the bridal party during the rehearsal and a little reminder again just before the procession on the wedding day.

I thought this excerpt from The Knot Book of Wedding Flowers might help:

"Hold your bouquet too high and you'll obscure your dress; hold it too low and no one will see the gorgeous blossoms that you chose so carefully. Most likely, one or two people will escort you down the aisle, so practice linking arms with them while holding your bouquet, and check out your form in a mirror.
Hand Held Bouquet- Let your wrists fall above your hipbones and use both hands to hold the stems of the bouquet in front of your belly button.
Presentation Bouquet- Simply rest the bouquet on the lower part of your arm. Be sure you don't hold it too closely, however, or you'll risk crushing or mangling it!"

Bird Cage Veils

Want to stand out from the crowd?....Wear a bird cage veil!
Bird Cage veils are not just for vintage themed weddings. They can actually blend in with many wedding looks, whether a beach wedding, or an outdoor/countryside wedding.
These veils are also available in different variations. Here are a few we like (from Etsy)

Etsy Seller Myrakim


From etsy seller HeartNSole


From etsy seller Orphelia


Because these are available in so many variations, it gives you the opportunity to have yours customized just for you. Make a statement!