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June 7, 2010

Hello Dearest Brides!

I’m sure you’ve noticed I haven't been able to chat much lately as I've been so busy working on other projects. I’ve been fortunate to have so many amazing opportunities that I’ve found it hard to find time to sit down and write, no less find time to write about so many different things!

So, my beautiful brides, it is with a heavy heart that I announce I will be retiring my bridalguide.com blog. I’ve had the BEST time writing it and sharing ideas, trends and celebrity wedding news with you. I cannot thank you enough for your participation. It's been a great year and I am now ready to expand my brand and move on to the next level of party planning. (SHHHH…BIG REVEAL! I was asked about four months ago to work with Party City as their spokesperson and celebrations expert! While they haven't made a formal announcement, they will in the next few weeks. I am so excited that they have decided to bring me aboard to help them get to the next level!)

In other exciting news…I got my first book deal! It most likely will be out the first half of 2011. Let me just say it’s much more intense writing a book than writing a blog! The burnout factor is huge! Anyhow, the topic of my book is how to stay sane around the insane (wedding-planning period), budgets and how to work with them, wedding war stories and anecdotes, which I know you guys love to read about! I promise to give the heads up on my own blog or via bridalguide.com when the book hits stores.

And of course, I haven't stopped creating and sharing my wedding design ideas or ideas for my most favorite topic—how to have the fabulous wedding on a "Frugalistic Budget!"

Speaking of great ideas and hot new trends—there are so many right now! One of my favorites is peacock feathers and really anything that has feathers because I think they are beyond sassy and sexy! I am so loving the dresses with white marabou feathers and purses adorned with feathers, like the blue peacock purse for the bride! LOVE IT!

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Posted by Samantha at 5:25 p.m. | Comments (0)

May 11, 2010

Post-Bridal Depression

Is post-bridal depression real? Yes, post-bridal depression is very real. While getting engaged and planning a wedding are very exciting, it brings emotions to another level. When it’s all over, some brides are left feeling like there’s a void in their lives. Here are my answers to some questions you may have about post-bridal depression:

How common is it?

It's a lot more common than you would think. Most of the time you might say these emotions are just because you have too much on your plate. We tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make this day perfect. Everyone has her own idea of what perfection means. Some take it to another level and allow every little task to be a priority. They cannot focus on anything else but the wedding. This becomes very unhealthy and can lead to horrible anxiety and depression, especially if things are not going the way they feel they should. With emotions running high and low on a daily basis, you can certainly develop a chemical breakdown in your system, especially with hormones and endorphins running in every direction.

Why might one experience it?

A new bride might experience this if she has been on a high from the planning and attention that has been given throughout the experience. When she has what I would call "Bridal Coma," she is in a place where nothing matters except the upcoming wedding. She may be obsessed with the wedding to the point that she cannot focus on anything else. Once the wedding is over and all attention goes by the wayside, it's a pretty quiet time. It may come as a shock to her system and make her feel like there must be something wrong with the relationship because that excitement is gone. While some brides are thankful that the planning is over and they can focus on their new lives, others may feel something is missing.

I have watched many brides go through this during the planning process. I notice them focusing on the wedding or details a bit too much. This raises a red flag on my end. I try to give them projects that need to be completed by a certain date. Once they have completed the task, they have to focus on just being engaged, their jobs and relationships. This seems to be a challenge for some. They feel if they are not constantly doing something, that some task might be forgotten. When we see this occur, we also notice the relationship hurts as well. This can cause fights with the groom, family members and friends. The worst thing that can come out of this is the cancellation of the nuptials.

How might post-bridal depression manifest itself?

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Posted by Samantha at 11:52 a.m. | Comments (0)

April 21, 2010

The Tomboy Bride

Most people probably think this title doesn’t make much sense. While some may think the word “tomboy” means not feminine and more masculine—that really isn’t the case. “Bride” on the other hand makes us think gorgeous, glamorous and very feminine. How does one incorporate the vision without being too much of the above? It’s a matter of perception and preference.

When we think of a gown that’s a little more classic or elegant, a bride doesn’t have to wear the typical white with ruffles and ringlets in her hair to look like a bride. In fact, with some of the gown styles today you don’t even have to wear white. The gown doesn’t have to be embellished with floral and bling. It can be a light beige or champagne with spaghetti straps and maybe a criss-cross back. This gives charm and appeal in its own way. Sometimes less is more for certain people. So for those of you who are sweating over the idea that you’ll have to look like you belong on a cake topper in order to fit the vision of what a princess bride is, I’m here to calm your nerves and tell you that you don’t. Choose the style that reflects your personality and makes you comfortable.

The idea of flowers everywhere may be another reason why a no-frills bride might panic. If flowers just aren’t your style, there are other things nature can provide that are simple yet elegant in many ways. Think of using branches in a vase with river rocks and candles on the tables. If your wedding is in the fall, incorporate filling many different-sized pillar vases with leaves of all different colors and use large chunky candles in between them to add ambiance to the room. This shows your appreciation for the season and also gives your guests a warm feeling. Again, not super feminine but simple and elegant.

Your special day should reflect your tastes and personalities. Music, dancing and just having a great time is truly the goal for any bride whether they are “Tomboyish” or “Pinkalicious.” We all want our guests to have a fabulous time, right? Remember, as you plan the details of your wedding, no one is expecting anything different than who you are. Weddings can put an enormous amount of pressure on the bride as she may feel that keeping up with the rest of her clan is expected. It’s not. Your closest friends and loved ones will expect to see you in true form that day. Just knowing that you’re about to marry your best friend, lover and life partner will allow you to share the inner glow on the outside as well. That’s something your guests hope to see more than anything!

Happy Planning!
XO Samantha

Posted by Samantha at 4:22 p.m. | Comments (0)

March 10, 2010

Open Marriage?

I was reading about Oscar nominee Mo'Nique and was surprised to hear that she and her husband Sidney Hicks have an open marriage! I was also shocked to hear that while she has not had relations with others she can’t say for sure if her husband has. Huh?! If you have this type of a relationship, wouldn’t you want to know—shouldn’t you know? I’d think that was the point of having an open relationship—to not have any secrets.

I don’t know about you, but isn’t the reason we get married to be with only one person? I guess I get the whole swinging thing and people of different cultures having relations with various people while being married, but I certainly don’t agree with it. It’s bad enough that women and men have affairs before they tie the knot, but now we’re allowing them to seek out others while they’re with us? What’s the point of getting married if you’re not satisfied with what you have? How can you go into the marriage knowing your new husband is sleeping with others you know nothing about? How can this not come around someday and bite you? What if he gets someone pregnant or picks up a disease? Why would you want to risk that chance? I guess if both people are OK with this, then it’s no one’s business but theirs.

Have you ever been engaged or married only to find your true love had betrayed you with another woman or man? How did you handle it and do you feel an open marriage prevents people from having affairs and getting divorced? Do you believe that having this type of relationship can only make it stronger?

I’d love to hear what you think, and ladies, NO holding back! Tell me how you really feel!

XO Sam

Posted by Samantha at 2:01 p.m. | Comments (0)

February 12, 2010

Simple Money-Saving Wedding Tips

Although it’s a new year, the economy is still rebounding and many brides are looking for ways to trim their wedding budgets, which is where I come in. I wanted to share some great cost-saving tips that will keep you within budget without sacrificing the style you want for your big day.

• Wedding Dress
  Have you noticed that the price of wedding gowns has gone down? Every retailer has trunk sales, coupons and extra discounts if you buy multiple items and all you have to do is ask. They aren’t advertising these fabulous discounts, but they sure do have them! If it's the fear of someone thinking you cannot afford it that keep you from asking, does it really matter if you’re getting 20%–50% off retail? I think you might be able to muster up the courage to ask, "Is there a special promotion if I buy?" Ye who doesn't ask won't get!
• Your Venue
  Your wedding venue makes up about 45% of your wedding budget, so this definitely one area where you’ll want to save. Did you know some of the best venues are offering fabulous discounts based on date flexibility, what's served, if cash is being paid in advance or by removing items such as a full bar during dinner? I can tell you from experience that the 4-diamond locations are willing to drop your per person fee by $30–$40 per person just by having wine, beer and soft drinks during dinner.
• Alcohol
  Did you know that the most consumption happens during cocktail hour? I have a secret for you, no one really drinks heavily during dinner and a nice bottle of wine actually adds class and ambiance to your dinner. For those who insist on not having the bar close down for the hour, you can ask to run a tab, which may run you $100–$500 tops. This is a HUGE fee reduction! Does a scotch on the rocks sound good with a fillet mignon and twice-baked potatoes? YUCK! Think about it!
• Décor
  Sometimes the problem with affordable venues is their style and décor. We’ve all had the experience of walking into a room and not liking the carpet, draping or color of the walls, but there’s a simple fix for this. Why change your location when all you have to do is change the ambiance with lighting. This may run you $750–$1500 on average using LED lights from a DJ company or rentals of par cans (up lighting) in the room. With the right color and angles it does matter if you have clear cylinder vases with rose petals...the lighting changes everything and allows your investment to appear much more costly. I know deep purple is a new trend right now and by using this on the walls after you dim the lights…WOW! It's romantic, chic and makes people want to get up and dance. That does make for a fab wedding, right?

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Posted by Samantha at 3:23 p.m. | Comments (0)

February 1, 2010

Who Says Restaurants Are Just For Dining?

I’m sure we all have a favorite restaurant that gives us that warm fuzzy feeling inside every time we think about it. We’ve used these special places for catering memorable events, such as birthday and engagement parties, but did you know you can actually rent your favorite restaurant for a wedding? I’m not talking about a room in the back, but the entire space. Not only is this possible, but celebrities have been doing this as well.

I was just reading how Mad Men star Christina Hendricks and her husband Geoffrey Arend celebrated their nuptials at their favorite restaurant in NYC, Il Buco. The couple invited 70 of their closest friends and family to celebrate their day. This allowed them to spend more time with the ones they loved and was far from overwhelming. It can be very difficult to enjoy your wedding when you’re worried about greeting 300 guests. They dined on fabulous Italian cuisine, danced to a ‘30s- and ‘40s-inspired jazz band and had tarot card readings in the restaurant’s wine cellar. How cool is that?

The bridal party was decked out in vintage outfits put together by Mad Men stylist Allison Leach. The groomsmen had boutonnieres made of rose hips and berries, and each of their suits were subtly different. I loved the oranges and reds that were apparent in the ties and handkerchiefs they sported. The ladies wore different types of vintage 40s dresses and shoes. They all looked totally classic and elegant in the photos! I love when couples take their ideas and turn them into original options.

Having your wedding at a restaurant makes perfect sense to me, especially if it’s a place you absolutely love. All restaurants have rules and minimums, but it's worth it to ask and see what they have to offer. You may even find that this option actually saves you money. Great food, wonderful ambiance and cost effective? Who could ask for more?

xoxo
Sam

Posted by Samantha at 2:24 p.m. | Comments (0)

January 12, 2010

Celebrity Registry!

Creating a wedding registry used to be simple. There was a standard list of everything you needed as a married couple—toaster, towels, bed linens, utensils, etc.—and all you needed to do was add them to your registry. Today, that list doesn’t exactly apply. Most of us already have all those basics and more. So that leaves each couple with the same question: What do we register for since we both have the same items?

The nice thing about registering today is that you don't necessarily have to ask for all the traditional items. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for other things, such as furniture, luggage, romantic honeymoons and even supplies to fit in your new camper. Some wedding vendors are even allowing you to register with them so that you can get a better video package or photo book. Did you know you can also register for a down payment fund with your local bank? For those who are looking for a fast way to save a lump sum this is certainly a winner. Your guests will love the fact that their gift has allowed you to buy a home together!

I’ve always wondered what celebs ask for when they obviously do well enough to afford anything they want. Here are a few celeb couples that had some interesting items on their registry!

Let's take one of our recent brides, Ivanka Trump. What does someone like Ivanka ask for? One of the least expensive items one her list was a silicone spatula from Williams-Sonoma for $7. You would think the millionaire couple could afford their own cookware. Well think again! The couple also asked for a $1,300 silver bowl from Tiffany, a $500 sterling silver picture frame, an Elsa Peretti carving knife for $225 and a $290 silver vegetable spoon. Yes, you heard me, $290 for a veggie spoon! I hope it has other benefits, too.

Just when I thought a $290 silver spoon was a bit much, it's nothing compared to Heidi Montag's Christofle Galea Sterling Silver Serving Fork for $538! I think Ivanka and Heidi could have one heck of a meal with a serving set that costs just under the small sum of $900! Hmmm, who said you can't be fed with a silver spoon and fork?

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Posted by Samantha at 12:01 p.m. | Comments (0)

December 15, 2009

It’s that Time of the Year

Did you know that 19% of Americans will get engaged between Thanksgiving and New Year’s?

There are so many great ways one can propose—while skydiving, on the beach under the moonlight, in a hot-air balloon (make sure you have a good grasp on that ring) or possibly on a canoe in the middle of the river. The media doesn't really focus on how the silver screen folks pop the question, so I thought I’d share a few of my favorite celebrity proposals with you!

Let's start with Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The evening of the countdown to the millennium was their special date. Michael's home in Aspen was the perfect setting for a New Year’s proposal. After the couple celebrated with friends, Michael privately presented Catherine with an antique 10-carat marquise-cut diamond ring. Obviously she said yes, and the couple announced their engagement the next day.

Tom Cruise proposed to Katie Holmes while vacationing in Paris with a 5-carat diamond in 2005. This was a shortly after they began dating—2 months! I guess when it feels right, it's right. Tom popped the question very early in the morning while they were on top of the Eiffel Tower. This may sound a bit much, but you have to admit the Paris landmark is an extremely romantic setting for a proposal. To top it off, Tom proposed again after they had a fabulous, private candlelit meal at the Tower’s restaurant, Le Jules Verne.

One story I absolutely love is Seal’s proposal to Heidi Klum. It was so original and very romantic! I love it someone really puts a lot of time and effort into it. He actually had an igloo built and placed inside a snow cave on top of a glacier 14,000 feet above sea level! I have yet to see any celeb top that. If that wasn’t impressive enough, he presented her with a 10-carat cushion-cut diamond ring. Heidi described the proposal as a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I would definitely agree.

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Posted by Samantha at 3:34 p.m. | Comments (0)

November 25, 2009

Avoid the Post-Wedding Blues

Although you may be in the middle of major wedding planning chaos, there will be a day when it will all finally end. Right now you probably can’t wait for that day, but when it comes you may find that you actual miss running around looking for the perfect flowers or meeting with your vendors. This is what’s called the post-wedding blues.

Everyone forgets about the planning, the excitement of being engaged and getting ready for that moment you say, “I do.” People stop focusing on you, period! It makes perfect sense why one would be depressed. I’ve seen countless brides so focused on the wedding planning, consumed by it 24/7, that it becomes their whole life. When it’s all over they’re not quite sure what do.

To avoid this downward spiral I’d suggest not getting carried away and keeping everything in perspective. I don’t want to put a damper on anyone’s excitement about planning their special day, but the reality is if you don't smell the coffee every now and then, you lose who you are and that leads to major disasters! Allow yourself to focus on life with your fiancé, your career, family or anything that does not pertain to the big day. Doing this will help you achieve a balance in your life and make the post-wedding transition easier.

To help you achieve this balance, I’d suggest delegating whenever possible. Create a list of wedding tasks and a timeline of when everything needs to be done, and then assign them to those you trust to get the job accomplished. This will keep you from going crazy and driving everyone around you crazy.

It’s completely normal for many women and men to have a down period after the wedding. Just keep one thing in mind after your special day; this is the first day of the rest of your lives. You can make it as exciting and amazing as you want!

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Posted by Samantha at 1:01 p.m. | Comments (0)

November 12, 2009

What Not To Say During a Wedding Toast

I'm sure we've all been to enough weddings to know what’s appropriate to say during a wedding toast, but then again, maybe some of us don’t. Sometimes toasts can be well thought out and heartfelt, and other times you wonder if the one giving the speech is drunk or just plain stupid. Face it; it's a lot of pressure to say something meaningful, witty and funny in front of any crowd.

As difficult as it is to put together one of these speeches, I’ve learned during my career that there are certain things you just don't say. Here are three cringe-worthy scenarios to avoid:

• It’s your brother’s wedding and the date was pushed because his girlfriend is pregnant. It probably wouldn't be appropriate to talk about how your brother used to be irresponsible, but now you’re proud of him for taking responsibility for his actions. I would say this may not get many laughs and could very well be your ticket out of any type of relationship you could have had with his wife.
• Your best girlfriend is getting married and you think it would be a great idea to reminisce about your single days and how she always went home with someone new every night. Of course you’d also mention how grateful you are that she found one person who satisfies her every need. No matter how you try to dress this one up, you’re going to be toast when the groom gets to you later. Even worse, your best friend may be so mortified and embarrassed that she regrets asking you to stand up for her and asks the videographer to delete this portion. I wouldn't want to be you!
• One of my all-time favorite scenarios is when the bride or groom has already been married once or twice before and the best man or maid of honor says, “Third time’s a charm,” or “Sometimes you have to try out the merchandise before you place your bet.” Rule of thumb—you never talk about the ex. Not only is this distasteful, but it’s not funny at all. Who would even want to think of any relationship that caused the bride or groom any anguish or pain? Trust me, you’re not doing them a favor by reminding them of their past mistakes. So while you prepare the toast, do everyone a favor and speak of the here and now!

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Posted by Samantha at 12:54 a.m. | Comments (0)