samantha-goldbergs-red-carpet-weddings's blog

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.

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

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.

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.

Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite stars celebrate before the big day? You’d me amazed how similar their parties are to those thrown by regular folks like you and me!

I thought it might be fun to share some of our favorite celebs’ pre-wedding celebrations. They may have money, but they don't always need to splurge on everything! With the right food and beverages, along with some sexy tunes to shake your bootie, you too can party like a celeb—trust me!

Josh Duhamel and Fergie decided to combine their bachelorette and bachelor parties and invited 75 of their friends for dinner and dancing at the Dakota Lounge in Santa Monica. This is pretty much what most couples today are doing before the main event. The days of celebrating with just the girls are a thing of the past for many. Some brides and grooms even have couples showers thrown for them. Having one big party together allows everyone to hang loose and just be around the ones they care about in a fun environment. No matter how much you have to splurge or where you go, the most important thing is celebrating with the people you know and love!

Rather than having just one big night together, some stars opt to spread the festivities out over a few days. When Britney Spears and Kevin Federline got married, Britney kicked off the wedding weekend with a bachelorette bash at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel while Kevin and his friends decided to have dinner at a nearby Houston’s restaurant. Although the evening started with each group doing their own thing, they all ended the night together with a party at the hotel. The next day they split up again for some relaxing fun—the girls went to the Burke Williams spa and the guys hit the links.