Blogs

Each week, we feature wedding music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from Brooklyn-based, Cali-bred DJ Kev Sakoda, who has more than two decades of experience DJing  clubs, corporate events, live shows and on radio across the country. He can also be found at a weekly residency at NYC's Happy Ending Lounge on the Lower East Side. Kev works with couples to create a crowd-pleasing musical vision for every wedding he spins. "Music is such an important part of creating the emotion of the reception; not just for the bride and groom, who are the most important people that night, but for all of the guests.” 

Photo Credit: Meg Baisden Photography

One thing that I love about the season are all the fabulous ways my favorite hotels decorate their public spaces. The Gran Melia Fenix in Madrid puts up a tree that glitters in gold and red decorations. The Bellagio in Vegas goes va-va-voom with bigger-than-life-nutcrackers, awesome light displays and an assortment of awesome Christmas trees. And every year, Claridge’s in London has a fashion designer outfit a tree in the lobby. This year it is one of my favorites—Alber Elbaz of Lanvin!

But the hip NYC James Hotel did a little something different this year. Instead of stringing silver bells, the hotel commissioned local artist Shintaro Okamoto to create a mini-city of ice. The display, which is open to the public, is on view in the hotel’s outdoor Urban Garden for the next few weeks. Watch the video clip for a look inside the artist’s studio. 

—Jenna Mahoney

The first trailer for The Five-Year Engagement, starring Jason Segel and Emily Blunt, has just been released. The movie follows Tom (Segel) and Victoria's (Blunt) ever-lengthening road to marriage as career opportunities (and life in general) get in the way.

We love that you see some of the classic guilt from relatives about a lengthy engagment ("Grandparents do have a tendendy to die, you know."), guest list debates with the parents, and much more that that will hit close to home for so many brides.

The movie hits theaters on April 27. Check out the video and let us know what you think! 

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Still haven't figured out the color palette for your wedding but need to order those bridesmaids gowns? Choose a neutral tone for the girls. It always looks elegant and pairs well with any other color you decide to add to your wedding theme. Neutrals look great paired with bright, poppy tones (try a bold bouquet) and are also sublime when matched with pastels. Another great reason to choose a neutral color: your girls will love you because neutral dresses are so easy to repurpose and wear again. Here, a few of our favorite neutral dresses from Jim Hjelm (jlmcouture.com), Amsale (amsale.com), Noir by Lazaro (jlmcouture.com), Allure (allurebridals.com), Enzoani Love Social Occasion (lovebyenzoani.com) and Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids (moniquelhuillier.com).

—Naima DiFranco

Prospective grooms, take note! Hiring a photographer to covertly capture your engagement may be the latest trend when popping the question, but this groom took it a step further: Josh kept it a secret for almost a year that the proposal was photographed so that, on the morning of the wedding, he could surprise Jenn with a framed photo of the engagement! 

Photo Credit: Alyse French Photography

We chatted with Jenn to find out what was going through her mind when she opened up Josh's incredible gift. 

Bridal Guide: What was your reaction when you saw the photo?
Jenn Morrissey: I was truly amazed by it. I didn’t have the slightest idea that he hired a photographer on that day, and I couldn’t believe he was able to keep it a secret for almost a year!  It was such a thoughtful idea and a really sweet gift that commemorated our engagement season as we looked ahead to an even greater chapter of our life together. 

Looking at the photo transported me back to the proposal, and it was fun to relive those feelings of excitement and surprise. I think you can see that on my face in the picture! 

You know what is my favorite commercial on TV right now (yeah, I live in the Stone Ages sans DVR)? It is that so glam Dior Beauty advert featuring Charlize “I’m just a little farm girl from South Africa” Theron.

You know the one... she is all late for a fashion show and then miraculously transforms into a golden vision that mirrors the Dior fragrance bottle. It’s all such a beautiful vision that I forgive the weird Marilyn Monroe placement and wish I could live in the mansion featured. Lucky for me—and you, my dear brides—you can experience a stay in a Dior-styled suite at the St. Regis New York.

Blending grays, purples and whites, the room’s sophisticated décor is inspired by the design of the haute fashion house. And the views of Central Park and tony 5th Avenue are gilded hallmarks of the luxury flagship property. The suite encompasses a living room with a fireplace, a formal dining room able to serve eight, and an enormous marble bath. Go to starwoodhotels.com for more information.

Hello, lovely ladies! I’m back! Can you believe it? In a few short days, I will have been married for a whole month...crazy!

My destination wedding in Vegas was a whirlwind and coming out of it married to my best friend was probably the highlight. However, when we were in New York (the only stop we made before the wedding), we got some engagement photos taken by the lovely Dina Kantor of Sam and Gertie Photography.

I thought I’d share my engagement shoot with you today while we wait (im)patiently for all of our wedding photos!

How's this for a daring ceremony idea? The couple, who performed together as a tightrope act in a circus, tied the knot 60 feet above a gathering crowd — sans nets — in Toulouse, France. Their officiant climbed up a fire ladder to perform the ceremony. The best man, "the man with the worst job of the day," later joined with the rings before walking the tightrope with the groom. Check out the video!

via Jezebel

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Once you and your groom reach the ten month mark, it’s the perfect time to begin your save the date search. Selecting your save-the-dates is such an exciting process because the options are truly endless. More importantly, you are formally announcing to family and friends that your upcoming nuptials are fast approaching — and they better mark their calendars!

For our save-the-dates, Michael and I opted for a matte 4x6 announcement that featured the New York City skyline to give our guests a preview of what to expect on our wedding day (see below).

I love the idea of selecting save-the-dates that are entirely different from your wedding invitation, especially for brides who want to play it safe with their formal invites (myself included). Opt for fun and engaging announcements that leave your guests eagerly anticipating your big day. Not sure where to start? Check out these unique trends and don't be afraid to experiment!

1. Make it Stick

Ensure that your save-the-date doesn’t get misplaced by sending a magnet featuring your pretty mugs. “Stamp of Love” Photo Magnet, available at agiftfulheart.com, starts at $54.

2. Jot it Down

Have your family and friends “pencil you in" with this letterpress save-the-date, available through melangerienyc.com. Prices start at $1,300.