The Modernization of Weddings, for better or for worse…

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 method for those guests who may not be as comfortable with technology.

Young, high-tech couples are also creating their own Facebook pages where wedding guests can socialize before and after the big event;  sharing photos, videos, hotel rooms and carpools.  Some even have their own Twitter hash tags so friends and family can follow as they plan their big day.

As an added layer to wedding websites, Email Save the Dates are also socially acceptable and even considered environmentally responsible because they save paper and ink (and money).  Most every client and vendor we work with knows about PaperlessPost by now, and while their online RSVP system leaves something to be desired, their popularity is rapidly gaining momentum (although still under debate by traditionalists and the older generation of guests who are less comfortable with technology).

But the newest trend, as featured in an article in Sunday’s New York Times , is the use of Quick Response (QR) Codes  (which is a type of bar code for those of you who don’t know) on Save the Dates and Invitations.  These codes can be scanned by guests smartphone, and provide everything from driving directions to online RSVP services.  It can even automatically add the ceremony and reception to guests electronic calendars.

To be perfectly honest, I’m not quite sure how I feel about this new development.  QR Codes on wedding invitations?  It’s not right for everybody.  But like it or not, it’s here, and people are hungry for new experiences.  It’s definitely a trend, but trends come and go.  As far as proper etiquette, well, that’s debatable.

One thing’s for sure,  “e-mailing wedding invitations and thank-you notes is still an etiquette faux pas — paper please!”, says Emily Post.  Despite all the changes in protocol that technology has brought to the modern wedding, engraved and letterpress invitations will always be in style.

 

Super Brews for Super Bowl Sunday

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 larger version.  You might even want to print this out and take it with you to the beer store.

My crazy Brit husband, who is a serious beer head, recommended his top 5 favorites:

1. Brooklyn Local #1  – I loved this suggestion because it’s New York based.  Go Giants!!!

2.  La Fin Du Monde – Be warned.  9% alcohol.

3.  Blue Moon – can be found in most supermarkets, and has a variety of beers according to season.  They even sell variety packs.

4.  Delerium Tremens – another one with 9% alcohol.  Gotta love the pink elephant on the label.  Delirium tremens is also the name of a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that involves sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes. Oy!

5. Guinness – a classic.  Don’t be afraid of the dark.

So this Super Bowl, consider a Craft Beer tasting to go with your wings, chilli and chips with dip.  The variety of flavors, colors and aromas are sure to get your guests talking, and it will provide an activity for those of us who just watch the commercials.

 

Trend Alert: Lovely Lace

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 variety of styles.  The console table features a white antique lace overlay that’s been in my family for years. The flax color on the linen  underlay from Classic Party Rental creates a subtle contrast which accentuates the lace.  Saipua supplied the soft and spectacular flowers, and Regas NY  designed and printed the alpabetical seating arrangements.

Below, left:  We love the gold accent of the Chameleon Chair  and the gold accent of the antique photo album juxtaposed next to the muslin fabric bouquet and matching bout by AutumnArt on Etsy.com.  Old world elegance meets new world charm.  For this shoot, Autumn added a lace wrap to the stem.  She can customize her bouquets using any color, fabric or ribbon.

Below, right: Found these plates by The Palm Restaurant at Home Goods.  We’ve been working with a rental company to source them for events, but as I write this post, no luck as yet.  The closest style available for event rental is Square Blossom through Broadway Famous Party Rental.  Regas NY  designed and printed the menu card which is tucked in an antique napkin with a crochet edge, and the place card spool (so adorable!). Calligraphy on the table number and place card spool by Bryn at Paperfinger.

Below, left: Eyal found these lace cuffs on his last trip to Israel.  We love how delicate they look and how comfortable they feel. Available through My Secret Face on Etsy.com.  The fan is from BHLDN.com, but the letterpress monogram in the center is by Regas NY.

Below, right: Anyone else noticing bird imagery everywhere? It’s another Spring trend.  These lovebirds by BHLDN.com are a personal favorite, guaranteed to make any cake look vintage chic.  And of course, a footed cake stand with lace accent completes the look.

Thanks to The Knot for allowing us the opportunity to express ourselves across six pages.  It was a pleasure.

Seeing the Light

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 perimeter uplight creates depth and drama. Below, this plain Hallway was transformed into a magical winter wonderland entry using uplight on bare branches.  Lighting by Lightworks. Design by In Any Event.

Below, Pin Spots for each table makes flowers pop, and light behind the swags of fabric add a soft glow.  Hanging lanterns filled with real candles complete the effect of an outdoor garden in a modern, urban loft space.  Lighting by Levy Lighting.  Decor by LMD Floral.

Below, another example of pinspots making the centerpieces pop, and uplight washes the Yale Club in blue.  Centerpieces by Floralia.  Lighting by Intelligent Lighting.

Below, we used lighting to subtly change the color of the room with each course.  Perimeter lighting was sync’d to change with frosted lucite pedestal tables.  Lighting by Lightworks.  Decor by In Any Event.

Below, examples of how lighting can be used to focus guest on the ceremony during a wedding.  Lighting by BML Blackbird at Guastavinos.

Below, a ceremony at The Angel Orensanz Foundation.  To keep the focus on the couple, each of the four trees were uplit, the glass doors were backlit and the sheer organza canopy and aisle were lit from above.  Design by Matthew Robbins.  Lighting by Bruce Benedict.

Below, a subtle dappling of light blurs the line between the magic of the dance floor and the magic of the city lights.  Event Design by In Any Event.  Lighting by Allen Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Below, lighting the trees and water beside this tent created a depth of field at night which would have otherwise been pitch black. Sperry Tent at the Mayflower Inn and Spa, CT. Lighting by Big Wave.

Below, a playful juxtapose of orange and yellow light create columns of color on the window treatments. Pink light on the pool at the Four Seasons Restaurant ties in the table linens and neon theme. Lighting by Levy Lighting.  Decor by LMD Floral.

Black Light in the room for young adults made ribbons appear glow neon.

Below, light projections using logos, gobos and photos create focal points for entryways and spaces with limited floor space.  Here, we projected on a curved glass wall for a twin B’nai Mitzvah celebration. Lighting by BML Blackbird. Photos by Nathan Smith for Ira Lippke Studios.

Below, a gobo of a chandelier compliments the modern ghost candelabra. Lighting by BML Blackbird.

Whatever the season, and whatever the reason, lighting creates the “wow” factor.

Queen of Diamonds

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.  Of interest, I noticed that in each bouquet, she chose Lily of the Valley, which symbolizes “return to happiness”, chastity,  purity, happiness, luck and humility.  And when she married Richard Burton the first time (wedding number 5), she wore them massed in her hair, combined with white hyacinths.

Below, wedding #1 to young hotel heir Conrad “Nicky” Hilton (May 6, 1950 – January 29, 1951).

Below, Wedding #2. Michael Wilding (February 21, 1952 – January 26, 1957): met in England while making Ivanhoe, was 20 years her senior. Together, they had two sons – Michael (born in 1953) and Christopher (born 1955). 

Below, Wedding #3. Michael Todd (February 2, 1957 – March 22, 1958): Married in Acapulco, Todd’s death ended Taylor’s only marriage not to result in divorce. She later called him one of the three loves of her life, along with Burton and jewelry.  I absolutely love this dress.  The shawl doubles as a hood during ceremony.

Below, Wedding #4. Eddie Fisher (May 12, 1959 – March 6, 1964): Fisher, Todd’s best friend, consoled Taylor after Todd’s death, and began an affair while he was still married to Debbie Renolds. Below, elegant in green.

Below, Wedding #5. Richard Burton (March 15, 1964 – June 26, 1974)  The Vatican condemned Burton and Taylor’s affair, which began when both were married to others.  They married 9 days after her divorce from Eddie Fischer.  This chiffon sunflower dress is one of the items up for auction at Christie’s.  Estimated to fetch between $40K – $60K.

Below, Wedding #6. Sixteen months after divorcing, Liz and Richard married again privately in Africa (October 10, 1975 – July 29, 1976):  This Gina Fratini gown is also up for auction (est $10k – $12k).

Below, Wedding #7 to US Senator John Warner (December 4, 1976 – November 7, 1982), resulting in a trip to the Betty Ford Clinic.

Below, Wedding #8. Larry Fortensky (October 6, 1991 – October 31, 1996): Met at the Betty Ford Clinic.  Held at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.

Whether or not you agree on her choices in life, one thing’s for sure, they lady had style.   Don’t miss the Christie’s auction.  It’s spectacular!

Happy Anniversary to Us!!

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 what our industry has to offer. But rather than wax on about it, see for yourself.  Event design by In Any Event, of course.

Our invitation, designed by Regas NY

Welcome to Guastavinos, an architectural masterpiece situated under the 59th Street Bridge. We’ve had many fabulous events here; great food, great service, great space. (photo by Shahar Azran).

The graveyard, lit and smoked by BML Blackbird, beckoned guests to enter….at their own risk…. (photo by Shahar Azran)

A giant glow in the dark spider web greeted guests as they entered Guastavinos, with a party crasher caught in the web….lighting by BML Blackbird (photo by Christian Grattan)

Waitstaff were all masked for the occasion. Specialty drinks were served on Ouija Boards. (photo by Shahar Azran)

Classical musicians from 12th Night Music kicked off the evening. (photo by Shahar Azran)

Lounge Furniture from Taylor Creative.  Pillows from LMD Floral. Lighting by BML Blackbird. (photo by Shahar Azran)

Orange light up four-sided bar and back bar by Coco Events.  Chameleon Bar Stools and Chairs, backed in black patent leather and croc with alternating suede and velvet seats. Linens by Party Rental Ltd. (photo by Shahar Azran)

Our fabulous Gargoyle atop the bar, found at Abracadabra. (photo by Terry Gruber)

Dennis of Coco Events with his Bubble Girls, greet guests by the Champagne Bar, with a choice of Perrier Jouet or Mumm Napa.  Let the good times roll! (photo by Shahar Azran)

Magnolia Bakery created offered a huge assortment of yummies, and a chance for guests to decorate their own cupcakes. Banana pudding was a huge hit! (photo by Shahar Azran)

DJ Jason Fioto of Generation Events kept the dance floor pumping!  (photo by Shahar Azran)

Gift bags at the end of the night, courtesy of Ana Dolan and finger cookies by Mali B Bakery

Leslie’s make up and hair by Nikki and Alex at Gloss and Glam.  Necklace by Tejani (photo by Christian Grattan)

Eyal’s short pants and shirt by Angelo Lambrou.

Many thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us, and all the talented vendors and companies who were involved in making our celebration so special. And of course, a big thank you to our vendors and clients over the past 10 years.  We would be nowhere without you.  Cheers.

For more photos of our guests and their costumes, check out our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/inanyeventny

Kid Food Grows Up

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 pulled from the cupboard of our childhood memories. What once brought a smile still does, even though the presentation might be a bit different from the way mom served it.

In fact, this trend is so popular, that Peter Callahan of Callahan Catering recently released a book on the subject, entitled “Bite by Bite, 100 stylish little plates you can make for any party“. The cover features a bite size version of classic spaghetti and meatballs.

Peter Callahan’s new book cover, featuring bite size
meatball and spaghetti

 

Another favorite app from Peter below: Mini Coke Bottle with Fried Chicken. Hat’s off to you, Peter! Using the iconic vintage Coke bottle in mini form is pure genius.

 Another one of our favorite caterers, Creative Edge Parties, has taken Couture Comfort Bites to an inspired level; a mac and cheese lolli. Total crowd pleaser. It’s a long, long way from Kraft Macaroni & Cheese!

Creative Edge’s Mac & Cheese Lolli

Owner, Carla Ruben, had this to say:

“Our macaroni and cheese lollipops are perfect for featuring playful, whimsical food at parties in a way that both
children and adults love. For our events that have a guest list of all ages – we know menu items like truffled tater tots (served in paper cones), birthday cake
truffles and mac ‘n cheese pops will bring out the kid in all of us.”

Other examples of dressing a classic is the well-known mini burger, but what we love about CEP’s burger is the ‘touch of class’ sprouts.

And their savory bite size prosciutto BLT’s are always a hit.

And, then there are desserts.

Thomas Preti’s Smore’s are cooler than cool and bring back Girl Scout memories. Homemade Graham Crackers are picked up by clothes pins, dipped in chocolate with a homemade marshmallow that is melted over it all before your very eyes. Yes, that’s a wooden drain board that holds them up for you to choose the perfectly toasted one.

And last but certainly not least, the fabulous Olivier Cheng, whose impeccable food and service have secured him a devoted following of foodies.  The simplicity of these classic mini donuts make them a real crowd pleaser.

 

Below, Olivier’s Toblerone Lollipops

and these pushpops are incredibly versatile, going from kid friendly chocolate mousse cake…

to adult only Mojito pushpops…..

There are so many more, but we wanted to give you a ‘taste’ of some of our favorite and fabulous catering comrades. Well done!

 

The Knot, New York Fall/Winter issue 2011

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, the biggest thank you goes to Brooke, Michael and their families for allowing us to be a part of their wedding.  It was a pleasure.

Celebrate Independence Day

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 Shows, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

Love that quote.

And love the romance between John and Abigail Adams, which sustained them through 50 years, 5 kids and a revolutionary war.  The original power couple.

So, what are you doing to honor this great anniversary of freedom?  Any unusual traditions?

Proud to be a New Yorker

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 Expert, and recommends vendors that are “gay friendly”.

WEDDINGISSUE

Hooray for New York and happy planning!