POSH VEILS

More incredible headpieces and veils for all of you edgy brides! This new little company has an array of gorgeous and unique touches for you to finish off your bridal look in style. Posh Veils is another fabulous place to go if you don't want the traditional veil. Thanks, Sharon, for letting me know about Posh Veils. Enjoy these, ladies, and then go visit Posh Veils for your veil. Tell them Wendy sent you and get a 25% discount for a limited time.

A PERFECT MARRIAGE

Today a little eye candy! Spring has to come soon and with it, the dreams of a summer wedding. So, I put together some lovely images of some frothy gowns and matching headpieces. Just a little inspiration for all you brides who need some help deciding how to be the most beautiful bride.
These dreamy confections are all from Amy Jo Tatum. Amy Jo combines vintage inspiration with modern touches and creates luscious and feminine gowns and headpieces that are one of a kind.

Here, the new and exciting designs of BHLDN. More comfortable and informal, these gowns are perfect for an outdoor or beach wedding. If you want something totally modern and sweet, but still want to look like the bride, then see these dresses.












Dramatic, feminine and exquisite! These are words that come to mind when I see Claire Pettibone gowns and Twigs and Honey headpieces. Together they are the perfect marriage of bridal elegance and a unique look. With a vintage feel, Claire Pettibone and Twigs and Honey will make you feel like you stepped back in time to a more romantic and ethereal era.










Finally, There is Priscilla of Boston. This beautiful ballgown with a touch of pink is a perfect dress for a warm weather wedding. Add this little veil with silk cherry blossoms from Honeycomb and you have a fairy princess look. This Melissa Sweet froth is like a cloud floating up the aisle. Combine it with this lovely headband from Twigs and Honey and you can be the Queen of the May.

Whatever your bridal style, whatever your budget, you can be lovely and delicious when you meet your prince at the end of that aisle- even if it is in the forest, in a meadow or in the sand. There are so many alternatives to the traditional wedding gown. Most importantly, BE THE BRIDE! It is your one chance to wow the crowd, so don't settle and don't bargain shop. A quality garment from a reputable salon is always a more cost effective choice. Taking chances from an unconventional source or from the internet can wind up costing you time, money and heartache. So, be smart and have fun. You owe it to yourself to look your best and feel beautiful on such an important day!




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NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S WEDDING

Yesterday, while reading the Facebook posts, I read a post by Marcy Blum, renowned New York planner/ designer. I was moved to respond and, obviously, so were many others! It set off a barrage of comments that just kept coming all afternoon. I have highlighted some of the best ones. First, here is Marcy's post about a magazine article she was reading:

"I realize this isn't earth shattering, but why in the world do magazines do this? it makes brides think a fabulous wedding should cost 3 or 400 dollars?
New York mag new wedding issue with all sorts of clever ideas for "inexpensive" weddings has a gorgeous bride on the cover-she's wearing a $13,ooo Oscar De La Renta dress and $64,ooo earrings"

"OF COURSE weddings can be done on tight budgets, we've all done them. The point is that they cannot be done the way most of the magazines represent them, with women happy as clams blithely stringing along 4, 000 crepe paper flowers to cover a tent (one without a floor btw that everyone might drown in) and, while they can be lovely and romantic they don't look like the photos make them look-and that's the truth!" Marcy Blum: Event Planner

Now, here are some of the comments:

Doesn't have to be expensive but it DOES take experience. I think it has a place- to show talent and creativity and what folks CAN do... but somewhere in the industry it gets lost. This would be a great joint blog post to put out or an article. For me as a photographer I get so frustrated when I CANT deliver the images I know people want because I am shooting a huge sterile wall behind a head table. If there was a planner who had draped it (just an example) it is suddenly beautiful. I shot a wedding recently that had a team that was solely in charge of draping the walls, lighting design and setting up lounge furniture. Aside from the planners. Brides don't realize that many times who does what and just how many people it takes to pull off certain effects. Education is never bad. Let them make informed choices. Wendy- oh I'm not sure about a reality show. Jeremie Rentas Barlow: Photographer

I am in complete agreement with you all! I am relieved to see that I am not the only one that is consistently frustrated with this. I have spoken with many professionals who shrug their shoulders and say "this is how it is"....but I think it is or job as an industry to educate these brides! Katherine Stavropoulos Lomax

Thank you Marcy,we have so many brides with high expectations , but the truth is work with a planner and your florist to give you the best with in your budget. We are professionals not magicians
Eddie Zaratsian: Couture Florals

I agree but we the industry are agreeing and promoting all of the BS every day. Pick up any bridal magazine and look at what the experts (who you and I know are well known saying things that are are not true just to get there pretty little face and company into the mag). Let's face it the blogs we all read and promote the DYI bride, the inspiration boards that have no truth behind them and are all staged. I am glad you said something but this industry has changed over then years and I have to say not in a good way. The only way to change it back is by educating the industry and the future of the industry. Courtney Kern: Events Beyond

I agree the magazines always "over play" the level of wedding you can achieve on a DIY or on a shoe-string budget. Rather than talk about the reality of what the results most likely will be, they help to create a sense of false expectations. I laugh when I see a wedding publications advertising how to achieve your wedding on a budget when the model they are showing has designer dress on, with super expensive jewelry, in an elegant setting, with $15,000 in rentals, and they are claiming it's on a $10,000 budget!:). I cringe when brides want to cut costs by having an event with no floor in the tent we are installing, or no AC in a June wedding, or no rain plan. That's why everyone should us an experienced planner if at all possible! Nate Albers: The Tent Guy

LOVE your PR, Wendy. I am a cake decorator as well as a certified planner, and I get the ol' "Aunt Judy is going to 'help' me with my wedding-I don't NEED a planner" and I respect that, if Aunt Judy knows how to do it. In some aspects, DIY is acceptable, especially in a situation where Bride's budget is truly low. But wearing at $10,000 gown, having a $6000 photographer, and spending $14,000 on a caterer, etc-then they come to me and tell me they NEED a four tier cake for their 50 guests (cause they WANT a four tier cake, not NEED) with 500 gumpaste flowers and butterflies, covered in fondant, four high end flavors...but their BUDGET is nearly depleted, and they only have $200 left. Can I do it for that???? UH, no. I will make them the most beautiful cake $200 can get, though. I can't be the bottom of the barrel and still be able to make a living at this. I know that it's not the cake that always gets this-it's the planner that they suddenly realize they need with 2 weeks to go, the photographer they want 8 hrs of shooting time with ALL the new trendy shots for the $400 they have left, or the florist with just $100 left-but they want orchids or organic roses in huge arrangements on all 25 tables-and a bouquet the size of a basket ball for themselves and all 15 bridesmaids. And they say, "PLEASE" and think it's OK. DRIVES ME NUTS!! I know I'm not alone..obviously! :) LOVE LOVE LOVE these opinions, ladies!
They want the David Turtera fantasy for $1000-TOTAL. Cake, dress, photog, venue-I don't know ANYBODY who works for free! Maybe if it is your own child, OK...I've learned the hard way, if they want to get a four tier cake with gumpaste roses, and they think Walmark can do it-MORE POWER TO THEM. I hope they like the taste of processed and freezer burn! That, my friend-is what makes you so successful! I feel like that w/my cakes, too-I give them the same attention as if they were my daughter too. It's the best customer service there is!
Julie Hatley: Creative Designs by Julie

Now, there is so much out there for brides to digest when planning their weddings. Instant answers and cost are among the top things that brides look for while surfing the web and leafing through magazines. And, lets not forget the ridiculous array of wedding "reality" shows that bombard us daily! No wonder you are confused. No wonder you think that you can have a platinum wedding at a Walmart price. As was put very eloquently by Christine Boulton of Think Like A Bride:
"We now live in a time that values self-service and self-reliance. Ask the internet any question short of brain surgery and you will find not just instructions but a video tutorial on how to do it. Your brides are well aware of this. They were also raised to believe that they could do anything they set their mind to. Forget the fact that they may have no talent whatsoever. No score soccer leagues where everyone gets a trophy ring a bell?"
She also writes:
"Transparency and the internet color their take on pricing too. Yes you may be in a very expensive market, but hey, they look at the websites of vendors in small town middle America looking for ideas and don’t understand why you are more expensive. They talk to brides all over the world in forums and see that one bride got her bouquet for $$ and don’t see why they should pay you $$$. They surf the web for the lowest price and find it, then use that to convince themselves that you are just out to scalp them. If there are photographers on Craig’s List that will do packages for $250 doesn’t that mean that the other $2750 just go in the higher priced photographers pocket?"
"In short, they have never known the service level that true wedding professionals provide on a daily basis and when they see it they are dis-trustful."

There are several things that can be gleaned from reading these excerpts. First, wedding professionals are increasingly frustrated by the glut of bad and wrong information being thrust at the bride. They are hard-pressed to find a way to educate brides on what is feasible and what is just hype. They are also tired of being left out by wannabes and second rate amateurs trying to hook a budget sensitive bride with ridiculously low prices. In addition, those of us who have paid our dues, gotten the years of experience and depend on this for our livelihood, are insulted and angry at the idea that any scam artist or hobbyist can put up a sign or a web site and pretend to be something that they are not - and THE BRIDES ARE BUYING IT! Finally, DIY is a great concept, but let's face it, Not everyone is crafty. And, even if you can make all those centerpieces and print out the invitations and place cards on the computer and wrap your own bouquets, who is going to see to those DIY details on your wedding day? Who is going to make the room look like it cost a fortune- or like David Tutera did it? If you try to do your whole wedding with no help and if you try to have a good friend take the photos- you are going to get a homemade memory. Is that what you want for your big day? Take the advice of so many people- hire professionals and get a planner. There is someone for everyone. This is insurance for the most important day of your life. You wouldn't try to stitch up a wound or defend yourself in court. When you have a leaky pipe you call a plumber. You even have someone who helps you invest for your retirement. So, why would you leave your wedding to chance?! Think about it.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAVIGATING THE AISLE: BE A GUEST AT YOUR WEDDING

March 25, 2011

For Immediate Release:

Your wedding day has to be “just perfect.” It’s a time when your dreaming turns into planning and your window of time relates directly to your wedding date.

Wendy's Affairs of Heart is a bridal and special event planning service with a unique and personal approach to assisting brides. Wendy Hartigan is an organizer and a dream and memory-maker, with over 15 years of experience.

Her expertise lies in organizing exquisite food, flowers, and even standing- in, consulting on bridal fittings; she’s all about everything weddings!

She’s a trend- watcher, always finding that special touch to create a one- of- a kind event. As a bridal planner, she will shoulder all or part of the day, leaving you to relax and enjoy your guests.

As a seasoned professional, she has produced a wedding for ABC’s 60 minutes. An older, first time bride with a heavy schedule retained her services “Her vision was concise and my job as a wedding planner was to keep things moving forward quickly,” says Wendy. “ It was a perfect day and a beautiful wedding!

From art galleries to chic indoor urban ballrooms, to perfectly beautifully, orchestrated outdoor venues, her duties include all the coordination and details. Like a choreographer, she ensures that everything is beautiful, runs smoothly and is timed to perfection.

When you retain her services for a wedding you have someone else to worry about the details!! Hartigan is there to foresee things that you may never know went amiss and solve them before they become a problem.

Some people think the addition of a planner is expensive when in fact she can save you big dollars because of her association with other industry professionals. That’s reason enough to hire her services.

Your engagements should be stress-free and filled with love and joyous times. Wendy’s Affair of the Heart is right beside you acting as your “wedding angel.”

With the start of the bridal season and a mandate to get a wedding done on task and with astute organization, Wendy is looking to fill some spots in her hectic schedule. Why not? Make your day a day to remember for all the right reasons!

Media Contact: Wendy Hartigan, 267-500-4328
Bridal Affairs wendyangell@gmail.com.

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HEADS ABOVE

Looking at these incredible images every day in the dreamy posts and beautiful weddings, I needed to share them with you! If you don't know about Twigs and Honey- you need to know about them. If you are not the traditional bride with a long veil or if you are looking for something to change into at your wedding celebration, you have to see the entire collection of headpieces from Twigs and Honey. You will also find perfumes, belts and, soon to come, garters and jewelry. I LOVE Twigs and Honey, I go there just to see the pretty pictures. But, you can go there and find that special touch for your wedding attire.

NEWS FROM BRIDAL REFLECTIONS

Always happy to bring you news from Bridal Reflections in New York City, here is the list of the latest trunk shows happening now. The first, this weekend, dresses from Romona Keveza. Timeless beauty and pure elegance are found in Romona Keveza gowns. The trunk show is March 25-27, so hurry and call for your appointment.





Next, from April 1- 3 is Ysa Makina. Dramatic in their design and stunning to look at, Ysa Makina gowns will wow the guests at your wedding and make you feel like a royal bride.





































Finally, from April 8-10, Ines DiSanto will be featured at the salon on 5th Avenue. Modern flair and sleek and unique designs define Ines DiSanto. Want to be a sexy siren on your wedding day, but still have that bridal elagance? then Ines DiSanto is the gown for you.
Whatever your bridal style, Bridal Reflections has a dress for every bride. From friendly service to expert alterations, you won't find a more pleasant shopping experience than here. Hurry and make an appointment for any of these fabulous trunk shows and check back regularly to see what's new at Bridal Reflections.










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R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I have done all kinds of weddings, from elegant black tie affairs in New York for TV producers to small and darling garden weddings for DIY brides to many weddings in between. I have done Indian weddings, Chinese weddings, Thai and Korean and Vietnamese weddings. I have even done a wedding where the bride won her wedding on a radio station. I am more competent than MANY planners who try to do it all and end up wearing too many hats to do anything well. I don't work for the venue, I work for YOU!  I am not the person that sets up the room or creates the flower arrangements.  However, I could be and I have done that for some clients.  I have worked in food and beverage.  I have worked with a florist.  I have worked in bridal retail.  I have worked in the theater.  I am more affordable than most of the "celebrity" planners that have had their 15 minutes of fame on TV and print. I am 100% committed to EVERY bride that I help. I will work tirelessly and flexibly for whatever you need. I have a reputation with many vendors that love working with me.  No one will work harder, do more or give you what you need better than me. I CAN be the person that makes your day as perfect as it can possibly be. You DO need a planner- every bride needs a planner. You need ME. Let me show you how and why. You won't be sorry. In fact, you will thank me as these brides and many others have. I have been doing this for a long time.  I work at this every day- for you. For the people that deserve to be praised for their work and the brides who deserve to have a perfect day. 




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BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTH IT

From Shopping Aisle to Wedding Aisle. That is the message that Costco is sending to couples about their weddings in a new campaign and catalog. You can find everything from the invitations, to the flowers, the rings, the honeymoon and The Dress! You can also find lawn mowers, seafood, produce, baked goods, cleaning products, gardening tools, air conditioners, etc! What a way to plan a wedding?! I am still trying to get my head around the idea. I know that times are hard- my business has been greatly affected by the economy. But, do you really want the most important day of your life to be planned from a wholesale warehouse?! I saw a clip on GMA the other morning about this and the reporter came onto the set in a wedding gown with a shopping cart full of toilet paper and Lysol! Give me a break. Weddings should be more special than that. The gowns are the
Kirstie Kelly Signature Collection. There are only about six styles and they are not bottom dollar cheap. It is bad enough that Vera Wang is selling a collection at David's Bridal and that true talent is going down the tubes because of the cheap imitations that are available at places like David's Bridal and the intranet. But, this is really setting a new low for the wedding industry as a whole. Maybe it is me, but who would plan a wedding like this? I have worked with many brides on a budget. But, they had weddings with real vendors. How can the industry survive with this kind of stuff? I am appalled and REALLY confused. Ladies- I have warned of this before, but here it is again from eWednews. True bridal professionals are being hurt by this kind of imitation. And, YOU are the ones suffering the most. They say that "imitation is the truest form of flattery". But, if your wedding is ruined by cutting corners in too many places, is it worth it? This article on knock off wedding gowns is more evidence of the way that a bride is the real victim of imitators. Your wedding is a memory that you will have for a lifetime. Cherish the planning as much as the day and don't settle for seconds when you can have more. Think about looking back in 25 years- do you REALLY want to remember smelling cheese and tires when you went for your fittings? I hope not. You can have a beautiful wedding- even on a budget. I have helped many girls do it! I can help you too.



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ANGELA DAL BON

Another great find today! Twitter was abuzz with great new ideas! This one, custom invitations by Angela Dal Bon. I love this one that is a telegram. What a unique
and interesting way to invite your guests!
I also love this one. It is based on Kente cloth, from the groom's country of Ghana. The invitations are actually cloth!

Then there is the peacock invitation. Done on shiny paper, these dramatic invitations were done for a fall wedding.



















I love it when I find unusual things for a bride to make a real stand out feature in her wedding day. Angela is one of those people. Thanks, Angela, for the Tweet! It was quite a find for me. You can see more of Angela's designs on her web site.



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WITH THIS RINGBOX

The Frosted Petticoat, a new shop on Etsy with a perfect little box for the proposal and the ring pillow. This little shop was born out of a bride's vision to "not" use one of those white ring pillows. She took the box that her engagement ring came from and added some crystals and cameos from her grandmother and Viola! Now, you can have such a box ( hint to the future grooms) and use it for the ring pillow and then to store you rings in when you take them off. What a lovely idea.

And, if a traditional garter isn't your thing- try one of these beaded ones! What a wonderful new idea to make your wedding stand out.

















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ARTS BALLROOM- REVISITED

There is a new venue in Philadelphia that I am so excited to show you! When I received the email yesterday from Starr Events about it, my jaw dropped at it's total opulence and majesty.
Imagine your wedding day here!





Arts Ballroom is Philadelphia’s premiere special events venue located directly off of the Avenue of the Arts, where cultural sophistication and diversity meet the richness of tradition and antiquity. Positioned on the ground level of the Arts Condominium, this 1920s Art Deco inspired building was the former site of the Hotel Sylvania. Boasting a two-story Grand Hall, Ballroom, and Mezzanine, the Arts Ballroom offers both historical distinction and contemporary style for events from 100-400 guests.













With the exceptional food and service of the Starr Restaurant Group and the amazing imagery surrounding you, your wedding will WOW your guests and make you feel like royalty on your special day. To schedule your visit to see this fabulous and exciting new venue, contact Starr Events today! Not only will you be surrounded with the history of Philadelphia and the beauty of the space, but you are conveniently close to some of the city's best hotels and restaurants. Your guests will enjoy every amenity during their stay in the city. I went to see the Arts Ballroom today and now I am really excited to take you there! So, lets get started planning your dream wedding at this gorgeous venue with the impeccable food of Steven Starr and the historic surroundings of Philadelphia.



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