More March events

No matter where you are in the planning process, paying for a wedding is expensive. My job – which I love, is to find ways to help you with your budget. Here is a great idea – especially for your engagement party, rehearsal dinner or your possible change of dress during your wedding reception. RetailMeNot.com is helping one lucky couple focus on the richer rather than the poorer, by giving them a chance to win $5,000 for wedding-related expenses in the “RetailMeNot.com Wedding Toast Contest,” officially launched today.

To enter, all you have to do is record a short video in the style of a wedding toast, telling the world why you love RetailMeNot and upload it to YouTube. Entrants must subscribe to the RetailMeNot.com YouTube Channel and tag “RetailMeNot.com Wedding Toast Contest” in the video. Additionally, the first 25 entrants will receive a $25 gift certificate to Sephora.com. More entry information and the official can be found on the RetailMeNot.com site.

Couples are you looking for an affordable and easy-to-get-to destination for your honeymoon? Look no further than Nassau, The Bahamas, where the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is offering incredible savings with their Buy One Get One Free Package. With Ocean View rooms starting at $298 a night, for every room night purchased you’ll receive one room night free! Guests must book a minimum of two nights through their preferred travel agent by April 30 for travel through December 23, 2010 using rate code WBOGO10.

To sweeten the deal, guests who book the Buy One Get One Free Package for a minimum of four nights are eligible for free companion airfare with the resort’s Companion Flies Free Offer. Air transportation must be purchased at time of booking and must be completed through domestic tour operators or online travel agencies by May 10 for travel through December 22, 2010. Think about this for those of you who are planning a destination wedding.

Gilt Groupe, in collaboration with Martha Stewart Weddings, will be hosting their first ever WEDDING themed sale this coming weekend. Starting today, March 12-14, we'll be bringing you everything you need, want and can’t imagine walking down the aisle without — from beribboned silk heels to the perfect topaz necklace. Love is in the air … and so is the flutter of show-stopping bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, wedding gifts and so much more.

As part of Gilt’s Wedding Weekend, we’ll also have sharp suits for the groom, get-pretty prep packages for the bridal party, dreamily decadent lingerie, and stuff-of-dreams honeymoon packages courtesy of Jetsetter. And if your head’s spinning with the task at hand, chin up — Darcy Miller, editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings has culled her personal picks to help aide in the planning process.

This is just too cool to have access to: Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang Lavender Label, Thread Made to Order, Temperley London, Judith Leiber, Tara Pearls, Lu Lu Frost, Tutu Couture, Checkerboard Stationary, juice cleanses, chic hotels, some great groom ideas and more. Go directly to www.gilt.com/weddingweekend for your access.

Wedding Salon and Dylan’s Candy Bar are doing it again. Monday, March 15 from 6-8:30pm. Go to discover candy trends by founder Dylan Lauren and cost cutting measures. Of course there will be candy treats. For complimentary entry for 2, use code BENY3C. Log on here and I’d advise you to go EARLY – limited space.

I love a good event and really love a good sale. All I can say is, it's that time of the year - BRIDAL SEASON and there are going to be lots of shows and events to attend, as well as all the other things you have to do. Are you a vendor who wants me to cover your event, contact me at bridalease{at} gmail {dot} com.

New parent company but your fairy-godmother content remins the same

I'm so excited to announce that we are about to make a change - a B-I-G Change.

The business is expanding and am look forward to taking you all along the ride with me. What does this mean? I am still going to be here to bring you the latest in everything wedding...I'm still your bridal fairy godmother who is here to making your wishes happen...I'm now taking all of it to a new level. There are going to be more interaction with the designers you love; more opportunities to have one-on-one time with brides who are looking for a different type of consultant; more oh-so-cool destinations to visit and yet, all of this information in one location, with a team of professionals who are here for you.

The new company "Yours in bridal" is our new the parent company which will continue to make your wedding planning process easier. We are working on the new site and can't wait to share that launch with you soon.

Until then, look for us on Facebook and become a fan. Oh...so what happens to Bridalease...nothing! This will remain as the editorial portion of the business and will continue to be a big part of who we are and what we do. Making us the 'easy' site for all the latest in bridal and wedding related news.

Can't wait to see you on Facebook.

Brides Rock this way with Naeem Khan

The Naeem Khan 2010 fall collection was the final show I viewed under the Bryant Park tent. It was a very long, but fun week and Naeem is one of my favorites so I couldn't wait to see what was in store. Before the show began, I met Ranjan Khan, Naeem's beautiful and talented wife saying to her that I needed to find a new way to say “oh my god” every time I view his collection. We had a great conversation and she said "just wait until you see what's about to show. I think you'll like it." Last year Naeem was amazing, so I was looking forward to this presentation. Lights dimmed, the first beat of music played and once the first model took the runway, the electricity in the room went from zero to 1billion in .2seconds flat. I could go on about the music 'classic rock and roll' which had the entire crowd jammin', but let me tell you about the clothes. (You have got to watch the video below and I dare you not to start dancing..dare ya)

Glamour with a touch of American classic sports wear and sex-appeal mixed with rock and roll edge equaled perfection. As one looking not only at the clothes, but the reaction of my fellow editors and those in the audience, there was deep appreciation not only for the music choice (which matched perfectly thanks to the live DJ mixing of Donna D'Cruz), but for the true masterpieces we saw. They went the range from short, sexy and embellished to a luxe trumpet gown paired with a crocodile brocade motorcycle vest. I can so see this look on a bride with or without the motorcycle vest (which you could wear as you head to your honeymoon...). Yes Naeem is one of the favorite designers of our first Lady Michelle Obama, but his designs have graced the runway at the Academy Awards and most recently the Oscars on stars like Anika Noni Rose, Michele Lee Reitman, Brooke Shields, and Maria Menounos. In the end, both he and his show received a very well deserved "OMG' standing ovation.

Naeem, know that viewing your collection was worth all the hours, train rides across town, up and down stairs, being bumped in the head by a wayward camera lens and lack of sleep during fashion week. I want every piece in your collection and some of the editors I was sitting with feel the same. The standing ovation your received was sincere and I truly can’t wait to see what next season brings. Thank you for being such a talented man who obviously loves the power, strength and sensuality of a woman.

Fall Color trends for your wedding décor to consider, based on the Naeem Khan RTW collection: Anything Metallic, Gold, “Metal”, Black. Gold, Silver, “Glass Chenille”, Crystals, beading, fringe, sequins, iridescent colors and feathers. Have a bit of sparkle to surprise and delight your guests. Also consider textured fabrics including velvet as a surprise element.

Just as an aside, the jewelry which were strong statement pieces, earrings and bracelets were created by the talented Ranjana Khan, Naeem’s wife.

Naeem Khan 2010 Fall Fashion Show - Thanks to Mercedes-Benz for the video footage

Barbara Tfank brings the 1960's back

Emerald Green Swing coat - photos: Lisa M. Barr

The colors and fabrics that Barbara Tfank used were vibrant, fun and all hers. That’s right, Barbara Tfank created her own textiles and the designs were fun and a throwback to the days when women dressed all the time. Fur stoles draping their necks, dinner coats, big bows on the back of coats, dresses at the knee and beautiful long gloves.

The textured floral patterns were inspired by Fauvist painter Raoul Dufy who Ms. Tfank choose as her muse this season, and the 1950-1960’s inspired cocktail dresses fit both perfectly. A little Hitchcock a little Marilyn Monroe equaled subtle seduction. Vintages look in beautiful jewel tones. There was true sensuousness, ease and comfort in her clothes. Even her make up reflected this look – grayish eyes, shimmer on their face and lots of mascara (no eyeliner).

There were lots of A-lines dresses, along with beautiful (and a personal fav of mine) swing coats. I had the opportunity to meet Barbara and she is as charming as her designs. So for you brides who are thinking of a “Mad Men” type of wedding, the Tfank collection will provide you with all the classic elements you want with just a splash of the ‘cool factor’.

Fall Color trends for your wedding décor to consider, based on the Barbara Tfank fall 2010 RTW collection: aquamarine, shocking pink, emerald green, cerulean, gold poppy and deep blues. Also look toward textured patterns and velvets. Have all your guests senses ignited during your reception.

Bridal Event Reminders for NYC

It's beginning to feel just a bit like spring and I'm just about to go out and play while I still can. The more I think about it, we all deserve to be a little spoiled. I mean honestly, this has really been one of the longest winters we've had in a long time. iVillage and Dove have heard all of us and have partnered to create the ultimate 'Afternoon of Indulgence'. You are being invited to indulge in yummy chocolate, relaxation treatments, music and a lot more. This seems to me to be a great opportunity to find ways to get rid of your 'winter skin' and find out how to get your self ready for spring.

So why not stop by Tuesday, March 9, 3-7:00pm at Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave (bet 15-16th street). When you register tell them that you heard about this event from 'bridalease' and look for me while you're there. I'll be around and would love to be able to meet you.

The Ultimate Engagement event of the year for brides, grooms and those that love them

The Ultimate Engagement- a bridal event that allows brides-to-be, the opportunity to have their special day planned by the premiere wedding experts of the industry! The Ultimate Engagement believes that ALL brides deserve a chance to parlay their ideas and desires with the best of the best.

Actually this is a unique opportunity to schedule appointments with the hottest high-end vendors you’ve read and heard about – all in one day, in one location. In addition to personal appointments, there will be champagne, hors d’oeuvres, celebrity book signings, seminars, couture trunk shows and other enticing surprises. So who are some of these folks they say will be attending; Marcy Blum, Sylvia Weinstock, Ines Di Santos & Other Luxury Vendors that will guide you on your way.

So get save the date: Sunday, March 14th, 2010 from 9am to 7pm at Gotham Hall in NYC you can be a part of this unique and ‘personalized’ event. Sign up is simple and easy, just click here.

URBAN WED

There is still time to register for Urban Wed on March 23 or March 24, from 5-8:00pm, at Nest Event Loft, 920 Broadway #1703. Space is limited, with just a few tickets per night left. Hosted by blogger Brooklyn Bride, there will be vendors at this event who can help you with all your details from florists, photographers to beautiful bridesmaids gowns. In other words this is a great opportunity to have a real one-on-one experience in a very intimate setting. You know, a great opportunity to ask those questions no matter if you are just beginning your planning or down to the final stretch. Once again, here is ths link so register today.