Marching to a different beat….

April 20, 2013 by inanyeventblog

Your ceremony says a lot about you as a couple. It literally sets the tone for the rest of the wedding celebration.  Traditional or playful? Dramatic or intimate?  A customized and meaningful ceremony is the secret ingredient to any fabulous wedding.  It creates a unique energy which your guests carry with them from the ceremony to the rest of your celebration, and that’s the difference between “just another party” or “wow, what a night”.   Which is why I strongly encourage […]

Categories: Inspiration, Music and Entertainment, Wedding Planning

What makes a party great?

March 6, 2013 by inanyeventblog

No matter what type of celebration you’re planning, you want it to be great. But what actually makes a party great? Music? Food? Decor? Location? It’s debatable. But rather than just give you my opinion, I thought it might be fun to ask some of the industry’s most respected experts.  So, without further ado… QUESTION: WHAT MAKES A PARTY GREAT? MATTHEW ROBBINS, DESIGNER, http://matthewrobbinsdesign.com/ Author of Inspired Weddings: Designing Your Big Day with Favorite Objects and Family Treasures A party […]

Categories: Inspiration

Teamwork makes the dream work!

February 21, 2013 by inanyeventblog

I’m often asked “what’s your favorite venue?” or “who’s your favorite florist?”.  My answer is always the same. I don’t play favorites.  I’m a matchmaker. Part of an event planner’s job is recommending the right vendors. Each client has different needs, styles, personalities and budgets. So over the years, I’ve amassed an assortment of talented, passionate professionals. Each vendor brings something unique to the party. Each has been thoroughly vetted.  Most have become good friends over the years because, in […]

Categories: Inspiration

Have a Classic New Year

December 26, 2012 by inanyeventblog

Okay, so I know I said all I wanted for the holiday’s was a pair of fuzzy slippers and a solar phone charger, but as we approach New Years Eve, I added a few more things to my list. I’m craving The Classics. Old family recipes, songs that take you back, old photos, old fonts, old color combinations. Maybe it’s the after effects of Sandy, or maybe it’s the tragedy of Newtown, but this Holiday season feels a bit different […]

Categories: Inspiration

Lessons from Sandy

November 25, 2012 by inanyeventblog

All planners are closet control freaks.  We make a plan, we think of every possible worst case scenario and then, how to avoid it or fix it without anyone the wiser.  But as a plumber recently quoted to me, “Man plans and God laughs“.  It’s been a long 4 weeks since Hurricane Sandy.   Some people I know never even lost power.  We weren’t so lucky.  My house is still without heat or hot water, but it’s standing, and everyone I know […]

Categories: Inspiration

Celebrating Sooner; tips for the last minute bride (and groom)

October 4, 2012 by inanyeventblog

The Internet has completely changed the way brides shop and plan. So has the economic recession. In the past, brides typically booked their weddings well in advance, but now, thanks to the Internet, research takes less time and thanks to the current economic climate, couples don’t always have the luxury of planning ahead.  As a result, last-minute weddings have become more common.  Below, some sage advice for couples planning in a hurry: 1. Make a plan. Start with your guest list. […]

Categories: Inspiration, Wedding Planning

The Glory of Garrison

September 3, 2012 by inanyeventblog

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to plan a wedding at the brides family home on 120 acres in Garrison, New York. The photographer, Andrea Fischman, kindly sent me a few preview shots, and just had to share.  Hudson Valley is dreamy, and I’m still basking in the glorious afterglow. Antonia’s dress from Mark Ingram, veil from Bridal Veil Falls, bouquet by Hudson Valley floral designers Steven Bruce Designs (they work in NYC too).Something borrowed, something Choo.  Jimmy Choo, that is.  The earrings are borrowed from the […]

Categories: Destination Weddings, Inspiration, Wedding Planning

Thank You, Marvin Traub.

July 13, 2012 by inanyeventblog

Marvin Traub died this week.  Never heard of him? No doubt you heard of some of his discoveries and proteges; Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Halston, Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent to name a few. And if you’ve ever shopped at Bloomingdale’s, or any department store for that matter, then he has touched your life.  It was Marvin who brought international merchandising to the masses, created celebrity designers Ready-to-Wear lines, and invented the “little brown bag” and “big brown bag” (so […]

Categories: Decor Ideas, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Attainable Sustainable Weddings

April 18, 2012 by inanyeventblog

Sustainability is defined as the capacity to endure. I think there’s something so romantic about that idea. But it’s much more than just an idea; the larger mega-trend of being environmentally aware and organically inclined has impacted every industry, and weddings are no exception.  In fact, Sustainability is stylish and something to aspire to, and brides (and vendors) are responding accordingly. Each Earth Day, I share “green” trends and ideas to inspire more environmentally conscious celebrations.  Last year, I wrote Sustainable Celebrations and in 2010, Earth […]

Categories: Inspiration, Music and Entertainment, Wedding Planning • Tags: Earth Day Wedding, Eco-friendly wedding, Green Wedding, green wedding trends, sustainable wedding

The Modernization of Weddings, for better or for worse…

February 15, 2012 by inanyeventblog

Over the past decade, the internet has completely changed the way couples shop and plan their weddings. Custom websites are more than just a trend.  They have become the norm.  Companies like Wedding.Paper.Divas and  WedSite offer stylish, user-friendly, customizable wedding websites with built-in RSVP services along with a host of other features.  And yes, in case you were wondering if it’s proper ettiquette, using an online RSVP service, email RSVP or Phone RSVP is actually now considered acceptable as long as you offer an alternative traditional […]

Categories: Inspiration, Wedding Planning • Tags: email save the dates, high tech brides, QR Codes for wedding invitations, wedding websites

Super Brews for Super Bowl Sunday

February 3, 2012 by inanyeventblog

Beer goes with Super Bowl Sunday like champagne goes with New Years Eve.  And these days, there’s such an incredible variety of craft beer to choose from.  Microbreweries are showing up everywhere, from menus at top restaurants to bars at high-end wedding receptions.  In fact, there’s a new breed of Beer Sommeliers who are changing the way beer and food are paired together. Below, the American Brewer’s Association created a Beer and Food Pairing Chart which details how to match flavors.  Click on it to see a […]

Categories: Inspiration

Trend Alert: Lovely Lace

January 20, 2012 by inanyeventblog

When The Knot  first approached us last year to ask our opinion about emerging trends for their Spring issue, we told them about all the LOVELY LACE we’d been noticing recently, from fashion and accessories to table top and more.  Below is what evolved from that conversation; six pages of romantic lacy inspiration. Below, the opening spread;  a collection of frames replace the traditional escort card display.  We chose a shabby chic variety from 6miles on Etsy.com to compliment the lace console, but this concept lends itself to a […]

Categories: Decor Ideas, Inspiration, Press, Wedding Planning

Seeing the Light

December 16, 2011 by inanyeventblog

With the holidays upon us, one can’t help but think about lighting. It’s everywhere we turn, whether decorating your tree with Christmas lights or Chanukah’s Festival of Lights. The importance of lighting in relation to any design cannot be stressed enough.  And when it comes to events, the right lighting is crucial.  But rather than wax on about how important it is, I’d rather show you some examples of our favorite lighting moments: Below, a light heart fills the dance floor and delineates the space, while […]

Categories: Decor Ideas, Inspiration, Wedding Planning

Queen of Diamonds

December 4, 2011 by inanyeventblog

Elizabeth Taylor’s extraordinary collection of jewelry, fashion, movie memorabilia and accessories is currently at auction by Christie’s online through Dec 17.  Click HERE to see the full collection and your chance to touch Hollywood Royalty. As I learned more about her (thank you Wikipedia), I was inspired to look even further.  Liz was an extraordinary woman, best known for her legendary acting career, striking beauty, devotion to philanthropy and of course, for walking down the aisle 8 times (with 7 husbands).  Below, some images from her weddings.  […]

Categories: Inspiration

Happy Anniversary to Us!!

November 2, 2011 by inanyeventblog

We did it. We celebrated our 10th anniversary at Guastavinos with more than two hundred of our favorite friends, vendors and contemporaries on Halloween Eve. What a night it was! We are still basking in the afterglow.  And, so many people to thank. That’s the thing about events. There is no such thing as an event that doesn’t have a village of businesses working together to make it happen. Please click on the links below and see the best of […]

Categories: Inspiration

Kid Food Grows Up

September 15, 2011 by inanyeventblog

If you’ve been to any catered parties recently, you can’t help but notice that Kiddie Comfort Food has gone Couture. It started after 9/11. Everyone wanted comfort food to make them feel better; there were lines around the block at Magnolia’s Cupcake Bakery. 10 years later, each caterer is finding their own way to reinvent it. We love it. Our clients love it. Party guests love it. And why not? It’s fun to see the latest recreation of comfort foods […]

Categories: Food • Tags: 9-11 comfort food, bite size appetisers, Comfort food catering, Creative Edge Mac and Cheese Lollipops, magnolia's bakery, Peter Callahan, S'mores, Thomas Preti Caterers

The Knot, New York Fall/Winter issue 2011

July 23, 2011 by inanyeventblog

We are pleased to share our latest bit of buzz which just came out in The Knot New York Fall/Winter 2011 issue.  A special thanks to Rockrimmon Country Club in Stamford, CT, Kathi Littwin and Rebecca Walker for Kathi Littwin Studios, Monique Lhuillier and Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, Stephanie Henriquez (hair) at Frederick Fekkai Salon, Cindy Martins (make up) at Chanel NY, Rachel Yohai at Michael Zach Design Group (invitations), Carolyn Dempsey Design (flowers), and Party Rental Ltd.  And of course, […]

Categories: Decor Ideas, Inspiration, Press, Venues and Vendors, Wedding Planning

Celebrate Independence Day

July 1, 2011 by inanyeventblog

In a letter to his wife, John Adams, wrote this about future generations celebrating the Fourth of July. “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with […]

Categories: Inspiration

Proud to be a New Yorker

June 25, 2011 by inanyeventblog

Last night, I heard the good news.  Equal marriage rights for all.  Makes me proud to be a New Yorker. In our experience, there’s no difference between hetero and gay weddings. The ultimate goal for any couple getting married and planning a wedding is to reinforce and validate their commitment to each other in front of friends and family, and to celebrate their love and life together. Below is an article from Next Magazine which features Eyal as a Gay Weddings […]

Categories: Inspiration

Sustainable Celebrations

April 21, 2011 by inanyeventblog

Last Earth Day, I wrote about how to make your celebration more earth friendly.  This year, I’m adding a few more ideas to the list.  As you plan your own celebrations, don’t forget to ask potential vendors about their ideas regarding sustainability.  If they know it’s important to their business, they’ll think creatively too.  When it comes to celebrating in style, going green is the new black. 1.  While I still believe in sending paper invitations, more and more clients are using […]

Categories: Decor Ideas, Inspiration, Mitzvah Planning, Sustainability / Earth Friendly, Wedding Planning