Tipping Guide

Brides constantly ask for suggestions on what to tip their vendors so I figured I would put this list together. Some brides even forget to include this in their preliminary budget.
The truth is, there is no set rule as to how much you need to tip your vendors. While it is not mandatory to tip vendors, tips are always appreciated. Our tipping guide below might help you. Please note, these are only suggested amounts:


Officiant:This is usually a controversial issue.
Religious officiant-if you are an active member of a church give a donation to the church (around $500).
Non-denominational officiants: just their fee is usually good enough, but if you still wish to.... give around $50-100 (some might even decline this)

Make-Up/Hair: 15-20%

Delivery (florist):$10-15

Baker, Stationer, Party Rentals, Bridal Salon:Not expected

Limo: 15-20% (in most cases the gratuity was already included in your total cost)

DJ: $50-100

MC: $50-100

Musicians: (band,quartet)$20-30 each

Maitre'd- Usually standard $1.50-$4 per person (depending on your reception hall)

Photographer: $50-100

Videographer: $50-100

Wedding Planner: If your wedding planner owns their own business it is optional to tip him/her. If you do wish to tip him/her 10-15 % should suffice.

Valet: If not included in your final bill, give $1-1.50 per car (to be divided among attendants)

Reception Hall/Caterer: gratuity is usually included in final cost to be divided among staff.

Tip your vendors for exceptional service provided. Something your vendors will really appreciate is you referring your friends. Referrals are great for business (especially in the wedding industry).

I am an Etsian!

So unless you have been living under a rock, you should know about Etsy. Etsy is a place to buy and sell all things handmade. I have been working on this shop for a while now and I finally completed it last night. Check out OUR ETSY SHOP when you get a chance.

The Honeymoon-Part 2 (Make it an adventure)

It is becoming the norm for couples to center their honeymoon around high adrenaline activities. They may even spend half the time being adventurous and then the remainder of the time relaxing...sipping coco locos, pina coladas or dirty bananas.
Here is a list of some of the most popular adventure sports and activities for honeymooners to consider:

*Swimming with dolphins, sharks or stingrays
*Scuba Diving
*Snorkeling
*Cave and Waterfall Tours
*White Water Rafting
*Jet Skiing
*Parasailing
*Bungee Jumping
*Hikes through the rainforest
*Pyramid Climbing
*Ziplining
*Helicopter Tours

Are these high adrenaline enough for you? Take the time to plan your honeymoon. To get the best deals, your honeymoon should usually be booked at least 6-9 months in advance.

The Honeymoon- Part 1

Brides often get consumed with planning for the wedding ceremony and reception and before you know it, the honeymoon gets neglected. The honeymoon is a special time for the new couple. It is a time for you and your spouse to relax and unwind from all the planning and of course...enjoy each other.

*Before you go to a travel agent or start looking for deals, decide exactly what you want your honeymoon to be like. Do you want to just relax at the beach or do you want a resort that has a list of activities/tours?

*If you do use a travel agent, don't forget to tell him/her that this is a honeymoon. Some resorts may offer upgrades for honeymooners.

*Set a budget and stick to it (no different than with the wedding). Don't go for an itinerary that will cost you "an arm and a leg".

*Choose your destination wisely.Go for an adult only resort. We love the kids, but do you really want to hear them screaming at 5 in the morning.

*Consider the season when you choose your honeymoon location. What do I mean by this? Don't go to Costa Rica during the raining season unless you want to spend the whole trip indoors.

*Allow for some down time on the honeymoon. Have fun and do activities but don't forget to relax too.

*Consider an all inclusive resort. This will include airfares, transfers, food, accommodations and liquor etc.

*Before you leave for the trip, prepare a list of all the items you want to take with you.

*Get travel insurance. It is not that expensive and you never know what may go wrong.

I hope you found this advice useful. Stay tuned for Part 2.

Newly Wed Game Show

The Nest is currently looking for newlyweds for their new game show "The NewlyWed Game".
Casting Calls:
NYC-now through Jan. 2009
Philadelphia-now through Jan. 10, 2009

For more info. Go to www.embassyrow.com and click on CASTING.

Good Luck!

Vendor Spotlight-Sugar Mama Treats

If you are in the NY area and still looking for a wedding cake, you might love this one.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to meet Michelle of Sugar Mama Treats. As soon as I walked in her office, I could tell the passion she has for what she does. She was wearing a T "Got Cakes"...cute,right?
Michelle said she has always been artistic and just love what she does because she gets to show her creative side. She loves when clients order personalized pastries as she gets to do something new each time.
Michelle has worn many hats. She has been jewelry designer,coordinator, make-up artist, actress and even editor of an online magazine, but I think she has found her calling.
After seeing some of the things she has created I would have never thought that Michelle taught herself everything she knows.Sugar Mama Treats was founded two years ago and continues to satisfy their clients desire for tasty and unique looking specialty cakes. Michelle makes anything from cupcakes, mini cakes, cookies, wedding cakes and even grooms cakes.
After speaking to her I truly believe she does love making cakes and much as we love eating them.
For more details or to schedule an appointment for a tasting. Visit her WEBSITE.

I can tell you the cakes taste as good as they look :-)

Here are a few of my favorites:

What's your theme?

Many brides go back and forth with the idea of what theme they want there wedding to be. Well Jennifer and Michael knew they wanted a beach themed wedding. A few weeks ago I was asked to design a pocketfold invitation for them. The couple wanted the invitation to be a little more unique by adding their picture.....here goes