Happy 2010 to you all in bridal-land!

Marc Wilson Design wedding blooms

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Did you get engaged yesterday? Well, first of all, congratulations. You are in for lots of excitement, parties, and to be honest…there maybe some sad, frustrating and even aggravating days ahead. It will all be ok, I promise. Just remember to have fun, plan as early as you can and enjoy this time. Trust me, it will pass in the blink of an eye.

So to help you start off the New Year and celebrate your engagement, allow me to introduce you to two people who are surely to make this process easy for you.

Marc Wilson Design. Marc gets to know you, your vision and then brings it to life. When we met this summer – before the colors for 2010 were announced, he told me what he thought would be hot for this upcoming season. Sure enough his predictions were true. If he has that much insight on colors, six months before they are announced, imagine what he can do to make your dreams a reality.

This is not to say that there aren’t lots of wonderful event design houses out there, but remember I don’t and WON’T recommend anyone that I wouldn’t use myself. Marc truly creates an event that is elegance personified.

Twobirds Bridesmaid

Have you already picked your bridesmaids? My suggestion is to make the bridal party as small as possible, but if you can’t, you need dresses that will work for everyone. This means that the dresses you pick are comfy, pretty; in your color scheme, and in a multitude of sizes to compliment every girl and yet, allow them their personal style. When I first saw the dresses by Twobirds Bridesmaid, I wanted one for myself. In three words, these dresses are hot, hot, hot! This company listens to and knows what is flattering to your body and best yet, your girls can and will want to wear these dresses out again and again. Remember the economy isn’t ‘fixed’ yet, so consider this when you are shopping. When you provide an option (wear it once – the wedding, then wear it again) your bridal party will be on board. Hey, you might just get one for yourself to change mid-way through your wedding.

Bottlerocket Wine and spirit

Let’s get this party started -

Ok, so you’ve been engaged for 20 minutes and someone is already planning your engagement party. You want something different; somewhere it can be more interactive and mingling of the family and friends. I have just the place for you. I hosted an event there last year and people are still raving about it.

Bottlerocket Wine and Spirit, is a wine specialty shop that serves brides/couples who have an interest in wine or just want to add an element of fun and elegance to their events. For all couples that are interested in purchasing specialty wines, this company has a great selection of organic, biodynamic and environmentally sustainable wines. I love a good eco-find!! A wedding registry of wines and spirits can be opened at the 1year, 5year and 10-year anniversaries or compiled "starter cellars" giving the gift of daily wine pleasure. They will also host a tasting for your guests and nothing says relax like a 2007 Chateau Ollieux Romanis.

Hope you enjoy these the first of hundreds of helpful hints in 2010. Please feel free to subscribe to my column or send me your inquiries. I love getting mail. I’m bridalease (at) gmail (dot) com. I look forward to getting to know you and help during your wedding process.

On Monday, one of the bridal designers I happen to know and love. See you then….