Article from Division of Consumer Affairs-Wedding Scams

Anyone planning a wedding should know that there are scammers out there. This article will hopefully make you a little wiser about some of the choices you make while in your planning stages. The article below is from nj.com

State Division of Consumer Affairs Reminds Couples to Beware of wedding Scams NEWARK – Planning a wedding can be fun and exciting, but it can also be a monumental task. Hiring a photographer, booking a reception hall, arranging for entertainment, making hotel arrangements for overnight guests – these may all be elements in making the day a success.
With wedding season fast approaching, the State Division of Consumer Affairs recently announced it has launched a two-page Consumer Brief brochure, “Planning Your Wedding: Tips to Avoid Scams,” available at http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/brief/wedding.pdf . The announcement is made as part of National Consumer Protection Week.

“At the Division of Consumer Affairs, our top priority is to empower New Jersey consumers. Couples put enormous amounts of time and effort into planning the perfect wedding. Consumer Affairs is reminding them to take precautions to help ensure they create a day they’ll remember as one of the best in their lives – a memory that will not be marred by shoddy services or outright fraud,” said Thomas R. Calcagni, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Important tips found in the new Consumer Brief include:
Contact the Division of Consumer Affairs to find out whether any potential vendor – such as a photographer, videographer, DH, band or caterer – has a history of consumer complaints, or has been cited for violating any consumer protection laws.
Take the time to carefully review every contract before signing. Note the terms of cancellation.

Remember that paying by credit card, as opposed to cash or other means, can generally help you resolve any future disputes.
Beware of wedding scams, such as phony exhibitions. Before paying to attend a bridal show, try to verify that the event is real by checking the organizer’s credentials or checking with the owners of the venue.
Before buying engagement or wedding rings, conduct your own research to learn about precious gem quality and ring settings. This will help you find the best deal to match your budget and your style.
Before buying a wedding gown, learn whether the seller is following Federal Trade Commission requirements on providing information about the garment’s fiber content and country of origin.

For more information, view the full Consumer Brief at state.nj.us/lps/ca/brief/wedding.pdf.
NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK (NCPW) is a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions. NCPW 2011 takes place March 6 through 12, 2011.

Dress Pick of the Week: Principessa by JCrew

You may say this is a very simple style, but I love the silk and the fact that it has pockets!

The gown features a wide shoulder straps for easier wear and an interior corset for a flawless fit. Guaranteed to make you feel (and look) like a princess on your special day. Pure magic in midweight Italian silk radzimir—a very rare fabric usually reserved for royal weddings and haute couture (so rare, we could make only a few of these beautiful dresses). Fitted bodice. Full skirt with inverted box pleats and shirring for volume. Back zip with covered buttons. Hidden on-seam pockets. Fully lined. Falls to floor.

To Learn more about this gown, visit Jcrew

Dress Pick of the Week: Priscilla of Boston

Priscilla of Boston- I love the bottom of this dress!

Style: Fiona
Asymmetrically draped strapless mermaid gown with full skirt with ladder technique. Available in Ivory

Top 10 Hair Mistakes Brides Make

I wanted to share this article I found on ProjectWedding "Top Ten Hair Mistakes Brides Make". See below:


It’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life. As the bride, you’ll be the center of attention, and not only will your friends and family be present, but your photographs will capture the moment forever. On the big day, you want to look like yourself, only better. There’s nothing worse than a bride wearing a gorgeous gown, in the perfect location, whose hair is so dreadful that guests can’t keep their eyes off of it. Neil Weisberg and Amanda George, co-owners of the celebrity-filled Neil George Salon in Beverly Hills, say brides should always have a consultation with the stylist who will be doing their hair one to two months before the wedding date to ensure that their dream hairstyle fits in with their dream day. Weisberg and George advise staying away from these 10 common hair mistakes that brides make.

1. You forget your veil or headpiece. The veil factors into your overall look, and its length and style may determine if you’ll want to wear your hair up or down. If the veil hasn’t arrived yet, ask the bridal salon to loan you a sample, or at least bring along a photo when consulting with your hairdresser.

2. You cut your hair days before the wedding. Stay away from the scissors and don’t plan on getting a haircut right before the big day. Instead, do it a month or two prior to the wedding to ensure that you like the cut and it will work with the hairstyle you’ve chosen.

3. You don’t carefully choose your stylist. You will remember your wedding day forever, so choose someone you trust to style your hair. If your hairdresser doesn’t typically do wedding hairstyles, ask him or her for a recommendation, or speak with friends or other brides who have had hairstyles you’ve admired.

4. You experiment with hair color.
Talk to your stylist about how you envision your hair on the big day, and let your colorist know if you are planning on wearing your hair up or down. It’s also not advisable to dramatically change your hair color before the wedding. You want to look like an enhanced version of you, not someone completely different.
5. You only try one style. Just as you tried on several wedding dresses (even if you knew the first one was the best), have your stylist show you at least three different looks based on your description of what you want.

6. You go to your consultation without any ideas. Pictures speak louder than words. Gather photos (e.g., from magazines) of hairstyles you like. This will give the stylist an idea of the kind of style you’re seeking. The stylist can’t make you look like the person in the picture, but he or she can attempt to copy the hair as long as the texture and length are not an issue.

7. You forget about touch-ups. If it’s in your budget, consider having the stylist stay after the ceremony and throughout the evening to do touch-ups to your hair—or even give you a completely different look. If the expense is too high, ask the stylist for tips on how to touch up your own hair during the reception.

8. You forget about the dress. Your hair should always complement your gown. Select your gown first and then decide on the hairstyle with your stylist.

9. You think short hair is your only option. If your cute bob doesn't jive with your dream of having long locks on the big day, ask your stylist for extensions. This temporary fix can be a perfect solution.

10. You forget about the groom. Although you’ll be the focus of the big day, you will want his hair to look just as good. Make sure the groom gets a good haircut a week before the wedding.

Designer Bridal Gowns at Costco

We all love Costco...but for bridal gowns? Check out this article "Costco gets hitched to Kirstie Kelly Couture for in-store bridal trunk shows" from LA Times by Susan Carpenter




L.A. designer Kirstie Kelly calls her new line of couture bridal gowns Costcouture. A partnership between Kelly and the Costco membership warehouse club, the Kirstie Kelly Signature line will be sold through in-store trunk shows, allowing women to try on gowns with bridal experts in jewelbox salons set up inside Costco stores.

The trunk shows began in Northern California last month and will make their way to Southern California beginning March 3, with four-day salons at Costco locations in Torrance (March 3-6), San Bernardino (March 10-13), L.A. (March 17-20) and Van Nuys (March 24-27). Appointments are recommended.

Kelly designed six gowns for the collection. They cost $699 to $1,399 and are available in sizes 2 through 24.

"The Costcouture line is for the bride who wants to wear Kirstie Kelly Couture but get a phenomenal price point. We're starting at 40% off regular retail," said Kelly, whose gowns normally cost $2,000-$7,000.

Each of the Costcouture gowns features a fully constructed bodice, or corset, inside the gown. The fabrics range from lush satins to silk organzas to Alencon lace, incorporating crystal and pearl beading as well as handmade details such as flowers. Fingertip and cathedral-length veils are also available.

The pop-up salons are staffed with Kirstie Kelly employees. The salons are walled and carpeted, or, as Kelly says, "You can't see the person with the roasted chicken and the toilet paper."

-- Susan Carpenter

Photo: Kirstie Kelly Signature bridal collection for Costco. Credit: Kirstie Kelly

Dress Pick of the Week: Oscar 2011

Did you see the Oscar's last night? How fabulous was Halle Berry's gown? She wore this nude and crystal encrusted corset Marchesa gown with organza and silk tulle ruffles. I absolutely love!

Image from: Red Carpet Fashion

Best Woman or Man of Honor-What do they wear?

These customary roles are being reversed more and more lately. But what is the proper etiquette as far as what the Best Woman or Man of Honor should wear? According to Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, the solution is quite simple. A male honor attendant should wear the same attire as the groom and groomsmen. A woman may wear a dress in the same color family as the bridesmaids', or she can choose a dress in black, gray or whatever the primary color worn by the groomsmen. Her attire should be within the formality of the wedding, but she wouldn't wear a tux or dress like the groomsmen. A man would wear a boutonniere, and woman would usually wear a corsage featuring the same flowers as in the groomsmen's boutonnieres.

Dress Pick of the Week: Justin Alexander 8510

Justin Alexander's 8510:




I am all for black and white wedding gowns. Are you?
To see this and other fabulous gowns by Justin Alexander. Visit the WEBSITE

Top Ten Wedding Don'ts

Planning a wedding is an awesome experience...or it should be. Your wedding should not stress you out to the point where you just want it all to be over. I found an interesting article on Project Wedding that might save you a headache and give some guidance regarding etiquette.

ARTICLE: TOP TEN WEDDING DON'TS

Cute Finds: Couple Cards

As I was reading the Spring 2011 issue of GetMarried Magazine, I came across the cutest idea, Couple Cards. After you get engaged you will meet with a number vendors and instead of scribbling your info on a piece of paper, you can hand them your couple card. This couple card will have you phone number, email address and possibly a picture of the soon to be husband and wife. These cards can also be used after the wedding, just slip them to friends and family to encourage everyone to stay in contact.There is a wide selection of themes and colors available at the GetMarried Shops.

Here are a few designs we liked:





Do you like this idea? Would you make couple cards?

Dress Pick of the Week: Amsale Bijou

BIJOU from the Amsale Blue Label Collection-Silk Taffeta. Strapless Taffeta drop waist gown with ruched bodice and sweetheart neckline. Hand-made Taffeta and Organza flowers adorn the skirt. Available in Caffé as sampled, Ivory and White.

For more details about this and other fabulous gowns, visit Amsale.com

Wedding Budget {What you should include}-REPOST

In lieu of engagement season we thought this might help the newly engaged to determine a budget. Whether you are planning a simple wedding of just close friends or an elaborate wedding of 400 guests you need to have a budget. You must first determine how much you want to spend on your wedding and then where you want to money allotted. When you make a budget...stick to it!
Here are some traditional categories associated with a wedding. Its up to you to decide if its mandatory or optional to you:

Ceremony Fees {Officiant, Church, Organist, Cantor etc.}
Flowers {Ceremony, Reception, Bouquets, Boutonnieres, Corsages}
Gifts {Attendants, Parents, Groom, Bride}
Honeymoon Costs
Stationery {Invitations, Postage, Calligraphy, Programs, Menu, Placecards}
Marriage license (mandatory)
Photographer
Videographer
Reception {Food, Beverage, Cake}
Wedding Favors
Transportation {Limo, Shuttle for guests}
Wedding Attire
Rings
Beauty {Hair, Nails, Make Up}
Wedding Planner
Vendor Tips
Miscellaneous

Decide what is more important to you. What category would you rather save on versus splurging? Their will be a wide range of costs associated with every category. Take you time to research and determine what is right for you.

Unique Caketoppers-Bobble Heads

When it comes to doing something unique at your wedding, the list is endless. How about personalized bobble head caketoppers? Yes, all you have to do is submit clear, straight pictures of you and your soon to be husband, choose a body and voila! You can have your own personalized bobble head caketopper with just those easy steps. This memory would definitely linger and keep your guests talking.






Check out Head Bobble for more details on how the process works.
Is this one detail you would consider adding to your wedding?

Dress Pick of the Week: Jcrew 20046

I love this dress because it seems like such a relaxed fit.

For breezy beachside nuptials, nothing captures the moment like this ethereal dress. It's crafted of pleated silk chiffon with an organza flower trim that cascades down the shoulder strap across the chest. Asymmetrical straps. Shift silhouette with fitted bodice and flowy A-line skirt. Back zip. Side-seam pockets. Fully lined. Falls to floor.

For more details about this gown, visit Jcrew.com

Bride's Choice Awards 2011

We are happy to announce that Lisa Scully Events has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Lisa Scully Events stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Lisa Scully Events for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Lisa Scully Events is among the very best Wedding Planners within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

The Running of the Brides NYC 2011

Its that time of the year again...The Running of the Brides! Many brides look forward to this event so they can literally snag the dress of their dreams. Some may call it madness, but its a fun way to find the dress of your dreams at an unbelievable low price.

Event Date & Time: Feb 18, 2011 8am-10pm at Filene's Basement 80th and Broadway




Are you ready? Grab your team and get ready to fight (nicely) for the dress of your dreams.

For more details go to Filene's Basement

Images Courtesy of TMZ

Dress Pick of the Week: Cynthia (RHOA)

So we know traditionally brides are expected to wear white, but why should you have to? How bold are you? I personally love the idea of wedding gowns being any color other than white. If you are a fan of Real Housewives of Atlanta then you know who Cynthia and Peter are. Isn't this dress just stunning?





To read the full article, go to TheYFB


Would you wear a non-white wedding gown?

Popular First Dance Songs

Choosing a song for your First Dance can be a very hard decision. There are so many beautiful songs out there and you can literally give yourself a headache when it comes to choosing just one.
Yes, it should be a song that you both love. It should also have a special meaning. Do you love the song because it tells your story? Do you love it because the lyrics are just simply beautiful and express the way you feel about each other?
You can be as traditional as you want to (Let’s Stay Together by Al Green) or as non-traditional (Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson).

Here are some very popular First Dance songs that I have always loved:
Adore by Prince
When a man loves a woman by Michael Bolton
All my Life by K-Ci & JoJo
Because you love me by Celine Dion
I Swear by All 4 One
Endless Love by Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
Everything I Do by Bryan Adams
Here & Now by Luther Vandross
I do cherish you by 98 Degrees
Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden
I knew I loved you by Savage Garden

There are so many more you can choose from. Feel free to add to our list.


Image courtesy of Blue Daisy Weddings

Gorgeous Gowns worn by our First Lady

I think these are simply stunning gowns that she wears oh so well. What do you think about our first lady’s style?







Images courtesy of NYDailynews

Dress Pick of the Week: Valerie Couture H1126

We absolutely adore this A-line pleated layer Taffeta dress by Moonlight Bridal.





Style No.: Valerie Couture H1126
It features a Sweetheart neckline and open back, Drop Waist and Chapel Train
Embellished with Swarovski Crystals, Ab Crystals, Opals, Gems & Glass

What do you think about it? Would you wear it?

Wish Upon A Wedding Launch Party (New Jersey Chapter)

Wish Upon a Wedding is the world’s first nonprofit wish granting organization providing weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and serious life-altering circumstances regardless of sexual orientation.

Earlier this week was the highly anticipated Wish Upon a Wedding Launch Party for the NJ Chapter. The event was held at the Estate at Florentine Gardens in Rivervale and it did not disappoint. So many vendors came out to show their support. I saw some old friends and met some new ones.

Here are some pictures from the event:










If you would like to make a donation or volunteer your services, please visit Wish Upon A Wedding's website for more details. If you are currently planning a wedding you can also donate to Wish Upon a Wedding in lieu of traditional wedding favors.

This is a great organization. Please consider supporting in any way you can!

Images courtesy of Josh Lynn Photography