It's that time of the year again "AWARDS"!!

So you know I do my best...and absolutely try to give you the information available. This is truly a labor of love as I'm not paid for ANY reviews. While I do receive tons of product samples...if I don't think they will help you - my couples...they don't get a write-up. It's just that simple. If there is a 'paid sponsor' I tell you - that's honest and because you trust me, I try to keep that to a minimum. I know that you can go to other blogs for 'inspiration boards' so I do what I do best. I write about the things you ask me to write about - vendors.

With that in mind, I'm asking you to nominate me for the weddingchannel.com "Best Wedding Vendor Blog" award. It would mean a great deal to me as I continue to do all I can to bring you the best in the business.

Thanks in advance for your continued support.

Yours in bridal,
Lisa

Things are a'changing

I'm in the process of working on a new, bigger, better and more focused sites for brides and grooms and those who are thinking of getting engaged. While I'm working on it, you can always find some great articles on the companies NEW FB page. Join, Friend, Like me please.

Once the new site goes live (shhhhh,) we have already secured everything from beauty to wedding gowns to giveaway. I'm so excited. So bear with me for a bit longer. Keep coming here, or better yet....make the move to "Yours in bridal" on your FB page.

Make sure to tell me what would make your life easier during this time, who you want to hear from or just say "HI".

Yippie...change is coming soon.

When words count; wording of your invitations

When you’re planning your engagement party it’s easy. You know that at least 95% of your guests will come in their best party clothes. When it comes to your wedding, you want to make sure that you leave nothing and no one to chance. But what wordings do you use and what is the difference?

Here’s a little cheat-sheet to help you.

Black-tie
Are you having a truly formal wedding, at night, perhaps at the Plaza? If you are then it’s perfectly acceptable to say “Black-Tie attire. This means that your expectation is that the male guests will be in tuxes and your female guests in dresses that are very fancy. They can be cocktail length or floor length. Simply put, everyone is dressed to the nines - BLINGED OUT !

Black-tie optional
This is one of the most used directives on a wedding invitation. Here, your male guests can wear tuxes or really nice suites. The women can range from very fancy to cocktail.
You can use this for an evening wedding.

Cocktail
Men in nice suits and ladies in really nice dresses. If they want to wear a cocktail length or slightly above the knee (tasteful reminder to those people who may need it – oh, come on. You know who I mean). If your girls are more comfortable in a pants suit, that is also acceptable.
I would recommend this for a morning, afternoon or Island destination wedding.

No mention at all
Well, I would hope you know your friends and that they know what is appropriate to wear to you wedding. If you are getting married in a field, over looking a lake in the summer, or a loft in Greenwich Village, your guests should take their wardrobe cue based on the time of day, year and location.

No matter what, all eyes are going to be on you. You are the star and you will be beautiful. If you have any doubt that your guests won’t understand your expectation, then say something.

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.

Events east and west for March

Urben Wed event with Brooklyn Bride

I really hope you’ve been enjoying the Fashion week articles. There are only a few more for next week, including some great fashions from some of our fav bridal designers liike Monique Lhuillier. However, I really wanted to take some time today to share all the events I’m finding out about that are happening…well, soon! They are nation wide, so from the east coast to the west coast there is something for you. Let’s start in my hometown…Brooklyn is in the wedding house in full-effect!!

Brooklyn is HAUTE the month of March with several events, truly something for everyone.

This is going to be the premiere wedding event in Brooklyn. Hosted by Brooklyn Brides’ own Vané, Urban Wed is kept intentionally intimate so you can score solid one-on-one time with all attendees. After all, what you need is the personal touch not to be rushed through, right? I would strongly recommend that you sign up for this the evnt on March 23 or March 24, from 5-8:00pm. Space is limited, there are only 150 tickets per night and the first 100 lucky tickets get a really cool giftbag. I know some of the vendors who will be donating and it’s so worth being among the first 100. Reserve your spot today.

Merci NewYork give-a-way

I love this idea from Merci New York!! Visit the Amanda Pearl website and comment below with your favorite Amanda Pearl piece {it need not be bridal, so have fun perusing her entire line}!

To increase your chances of winning the Le Pouf clutch, there are four additional ways to enter this contest:

1. Tweet this: I just entered to win the @AmandaPearly #chicclutchhunt giveaway at Merci New York! Check it out here: http://bit.ly/doaqQR {via @MerciNYC}. Then leave a second comment once you’ve tweeted.
2. Blog about the Chic Clutch Hunt giveaway {feel free to use our oh-so-pretty giveaway graphic!} and comment with your blog link.
3. Post about the giveaway on a message board and comment with your link.
4. Share the Chic Clutch Hunt giveaway on Facebook and let us know via a comment.

The giveaway winner will be chosen at random and announced via the Merci New York blog on Monday, March 8th at 8:00 PM EST. Enter TODAY you don’t want to miss out on this one.

NY Magazine

Gabriella New Yorkand Always a Bridesmaid consultants are having a “Fashion and Florals event” March 3, 2010 6:30-8:30pm at Gabriella New York, 400 West 14th Street, Suite 2A. If you are trying to figure out your bridal bouquets style, this is a perfect time to meet with some in the industry and have a very intimate evening and find your inspiration. RSVP no later than Mar 1, 2010 to RSVP@ALWAYSABRIDESMAID.US

Plan early for this sure to be sold out New York Wedding event on April 7, 2010. NY Magazine hosts their annual wedding event, which is surely elegant, resourceful and sure to inspire. www.NYmag.com/weddingsevent for more information.

Let’s hop on a flight and head to CA for some great events:

Fantasy Frostings & The Broke-Ass Bride present, a Kick Ass Cake bash Mar. 2, 2010 from 7:30 – 10:30pm in Culver City, CA. RSVP and ticket information are available here.

Dana and Hunter also LOVE T-shirts. So if you were making a t-shirt for either The Kick Ass Cake Bash, The Broke-Ass Bride or Fantasy Frostings what would it say?

1) Tweet your funniest, witty or matter- of-fact T-shirt phrases with the hashtag #KickAssCakeBash

2) email us your funniest, witty or matter of fact T-shirt phrases to info@brokeassbride.com

You can submit one entry a day via email, but on Twitter as long as each entry is original, you can enter as many times as you want. So bring the funny and get ready to bring the party. ‘Cause they are gonna have FUUUUN!!!

Do you feel like registering?? Bed Bath and Beyond wants you to grab your fiancé or friend for an evening of fun on March 7, 2010, from 7-9 PM! With the widest selection of products for your home including all the most popular brands, Bed Bath & Beyond is the ultimate destination for all your registry needs. They have 2 locations in CA (Roseville and Folsom) who are participating. So go for it.

Ok, so that's it for now, but you know I'm always looking for things for you to do. if you know of events or sales that you want me to post, send me an email. Until next time, have a great weekend and see you soon.

Preston Bailey 'Celebrates' and plans for the future

A must for everyone who has ever wanted to have a party

There are parties and then there is a Preston Bailey party. While the night air was cold, inside the Manhattan Armory was “HOT”, as Preston Bailey and his book “Celebrations” set the night on fire. With the help of his long-time friend Marcy Blum, they created an event that was tastefully sexy and filled with surprises.

Celebrities in the entertainment and the wedding industry, family and friends were on hand to celebrate the true genius, creativity, passion and style of Preston Bailey. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, he out does himself again. The author of Design for Entertaining, Fantasy Weddings, Inspirations and most recently Celebrations, he takes artistry to a completely different level and this 226 page book shares some of his best work. It gives you a peak at his talent and highlights some original events for celebrities like Ivanka Trunp, Jennifer Hudson, Joan Rivers, Donna Karan and countless others.

Entering the Amory tonight was a feast for the eyes and senses. This once raw space was transformed in just 48 hours and the result, magic. With the drapes that covered the walls and the Orchard covered ribbons that created faux-trees; from the giant atlas sculptures to the giant ball filled with candle-styled ice cubes, every detail was carefully arranged. Every servers, dessert table and stage that looked like a moveable runway was perfect. The dancers who had flowers – shall we say, strategically placed added a surprise element. However, when Gloria Gainer, and Martha Washington both performed, it took this party to another level.

I was both honored and very pleased that he gave me a few moments before the festivities to share some things coming up in the very near future:

The Bailey&Blum mentoring weekend - March 5-7, 2010
This is an exclusive mentoring weekend with both Preston and Marcy Blum where they will walk attendees through the process of becoming a wedding planner. There are welcome cocktails, interactive workshops, dinner with a famed chef and much more. It is a time to really learn from two of the very best in the business

The Preston Bailey Institute (more about this in the coming months)
This is need and designed to share what he has learned with those who are truly interested in becoming the best in the event planning business. In other words, this institute will continue where the mentoring weekend leaves off.

There is so much going on with Preston Bailey; I know that 2010 will be a year for him to remember. As the music began to swell and just moments before the first guest walked in, I asked him what would he tell someone who was interested in being an event planner. He said:

1. Have faith
2. Follow your dreams
3. Love what you’re doing

From what we all know about Preston Bailey and especially what I saw tonight, he is doing all three. Congratulations Preston.

For more information about Preston Bailey, please visit his site. Next week, more from Preston and more pictures from the book launch.

Your wedding gift to guests can save lives

Dearest Couples,

Since last week, there hasn’t been a moment when the news or Internet, hasn’t been inundated with stories and pictures of the mass destruction in Haiti. Like so many other moments in our lives; 911, the death of Michael Jackson and others, no matter how much we wanted to turn away from it, we are drawn to it like a moth to a flame. Can you for one second imagine, what it is like to have almost an entire country – your country be reduced to rubble in a matter of seconds? The closest for me has been 911, when the towers went down and that’s nothing in comparison. What if that earthquake (and god forbid), struck New York.

On so many of the various social networking sites we have been asking people to give what you can to various relief programs. The thing is…what happens when the buzz ends? Like those people who survived Katrina, who are still homeless, help will be needed for the foreseeable future.

So what does this have to do with you or your wedding right?

Yes, this is a wonderfully exciting time for you. You are planning your future with the person you love. There are dresses to pick out, a venue to choose and bands to listen to. I’m not trying to take anything from you. I want you to enjoy every moment of this process. I want this to be a special time in your life.

But why not consider something you can do – right now or when your wedding happens 6, 9 or 12 months from now. Instead of searching for something to give to your guests, why not give a true gift that will continue to provide hope and share your love with others. Give a donation.

A donation to an organization is an opportunity to show your guests;
Thank you for coming to our wedding and because you cared for us, we are caring for others by giving a donation to (insert any charity you want). I’m sure your guests will love it a lot more than a trinket they probably won’t use anyway.

Here are a few charities to check out. They provide relief both National and Internationally.
Red Cross: Text "HAITI" to 90999 to instantly donate $10 RedCross.org
Yéle Foundation: Text "Yele" to 501501 to instantly donate $5 Yele.org
Doctors Without Borders: DoctorsWithoutBorders.org (I have a friend who works for this organization.)
World Vision: WorldVision.org

Because I believe in being honest and giving credit, one of my colleagues on the examiner.com, has compiled a brilliant list of organizations that will provide help. Please take a moment to look at it and then, do something. This is the year to ‘Make Things Happen’, as my friend Lara Casey says. Coming up shortly, I’ll have some great news to share about what some of us in the wedding industry are doing to help the people of Haiti.

Come on, you know we’re more than just pretty dresses.

2009 EventProf Blog Winner - YIPPIE!!!

WOW!!! This is AWESOME!! So here is my 30 second 'Emmy' speech.


I am truly honored to have been considered and thank you for your votes. Winning this is truly a labor of love. Like so many of my colleagues, I want people to have a good time when they are at an event I'm hosting. I want to hear "that was the best party/wedding/baby shower/girls-night-out/grooms party EVER". I also want to provide you with the latest going on in this wonderful world of bridal (and you know I love my grooms), in the hopes it makes life a little easier. That's why I will have the interviews with your favorite designers, planners and venues. I bring you the latest information on having a 'green' wedding. I actually do a few taste-tastings (ok, so that's not so bad!!) and the products I recommend, I've at least tried before I recommend them to you.

By your votes, which I'm told were " the highest number of votes from your peers", it shows that you too appreciate what I'm doing and that makes me smile. I am honored by your trust!

So I'm being told that my time is up...the little light is flashing and the music swells....

I'm going to continue to do my best in providing you with the best information out there, and feel free to continue to let me know what's going on with you. Thank you all and starting next week, there will be new designer interviews, more goodies to give away (some special things for the grooms!!), new destination-locations and much, much more.

THANK YOU!
Much Love,
Your Bridal Fairy Godmother!!

Hope comes to Cardstore.com

With the shaky economy, shattered housing market, and growing unemployment rate, 2009’s been a tough year for many of us. The whole purpose of the movement is to spread hope in a concrete and compassionate way by encouraging people to send written messages of hope during ‘The Week Of Hope’, September 1-7, 2009. In honor of The Week Of Hope, the Cardstore.com is offering everyone one free personalized Hope card from their Hope Collection. All you have to do is visit Cardstore.com between Sept. 1-7th, personalize a Hope greeting card with a message (and photo if you prefer), and then let us send it to anyone you’d like: a friend, relative, or anyone in your life who could use a little hope. We’ll also be having some exciting Hope giveaways that week, so be sure to visit us on our blog and website during The Week Of Hope. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved!

Wedding words, symbols and traditions

Music is usually used, to mark the beginning and end of a wedding ceremony. You may wish to add an opening and closing ritual as well. These rituals provide another way to include special people in the ceremony as honored assistants.

Water Ceremony
In some Native American communities, drinking from a goblet of water sanctifies the union. Water is a basic element, without which there would be no life. A two spouted water jug designed for this purpose may be used. The Wedding Jar is then displayed in the home as a reminder of one's vows.

Water may also be used in a ceremonial washing of hands to purify them, before uniting one's hands in marriage with another person. It's another way of saying "I wash away my past and begin 'clean' with you."

The Wedding Contract
In Biblical times, and in contemporary Judaism, as well, a wedding contract or "ketubah", is signed during the ceremony. Essentially, the contract is a written copy of the wedding vows. In Biblical times, it included the dowry and other family agreements, but contemporary ones are more spiritual/emotional and less practical. There are many on-line sources that offer both traditional and contemporary ketubahs, or you can make your own. Each partner signs the contract during the ceremony, and it is displayed in their home during their marriage.

The Tea Ceremony
Originating in the Orient, the tea ceremony represents a partner (traditionally the bride) honoring her new in-laws. The bride pours tea for the in-laws with a promise to honor them as she does her own family of origin. By serving them tea, she serves and honors their family.

Jumping The Broom
"Jumping the broom" is a charming African-American tradition reminiscent of the historical manner in which couples were united under slavery, when wedding ceremonies were not allowed. Partners jump over a broom to signify their new status as a married couple within their community of friends and family. The broom can be decorated for the wedding day, if you wish.

Breaking The Glass(es)
Another ancient Jewish custom that can be incorporated beautifully into interfaith weddings is the "Breaking of the Glass". At the end of a Jewish wedding, after the pronouncement of the new status as a married couple, the groom traditionally stomps on a wine glass wrapped in a cloth napkin or towel. It is said "Just as it would be impossible to return the glass to its original condition, the lives of the wedding couple are forever changed." The popping noise marks the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the new life together. Immediately afterward, the guests break out into a joyous chorus of "Mazel Tov" (Congratulations).

Circling
In traditional Jewish, Greek Orthodox, and Hindu traditions, there are customs where the bride circles her groom, or both partners circle each other. In the Hindu tradition, both partners circle the sacred fire.

Sand Ceremony
The Sand Ceremony represents the joining of two lives into a new dimension of unity. It is similar to the Unity Candle ceremony. Instead of each partner having their own candle, each partner has a vial of sand which represents their childhood and life before marriage. During the ceremony, each partner pours his or her sand into a larger vial to represent their new status as a married couple. Some couples use two different colors of sand, which make a third color when joined.

Unity Candle
Although this ceremony is not historically Christian, it has become very popular in contemporary Christian and Interfaith weddings. Three candles are placed on the altar. The two side candles are each lit (sometimes by the parents of each partner) representing the individual lives of each partner. The center candle is lit by both partners during the ceremony, signifying their new life together as "One"

The Veiling and Unveiling of the Bride
Traditional American Christian weddings include the unveiling of the bride after the father of the bride escorts her down the aisle and she is "given away" to her groom. The unveiling is reminiscent of the Biblical story of Jacob, Rachel and Leah. Jacob worked for Lavon for seven years to earn the right to marry Lavon's daughter Rachel. When it was time for the wedding, Rachel veiled herself as a sign of modesty, as was popular at the time. Lavon then veiled his other daughter Leah and tricked Jacob into marrying the wrong daughter. Jacob had to work another seven years before Lavon would agree to give him his other daughter Rachel. By unveiling the bride before she exchanges vows, the groom is sure to be marrying the correct woman!

You know the saying, "Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” is a popular rhyme that has been used since Victorian times. The "something old" represents the bond to the bride's family and her old life; "something new" represents the couple's new life together and their future hope for happiness, prosperity and success; "something borrowed" from a happily married woman is meant to impart similar happiness to the bride; and "something blue" represents fidelity and constancy.

No matter what ritual you decide to include use a symbol that is meaningful to you both.

Milo Paper - eco-friendly, spunky and colorful wedding stationery.

Milo Paper

If you are looking for stationery that has a little spunk, a little color and a lot of style, then you should look at another of my favorite eco-stationery vendors, Milo Paper. There was something about the colors that Maria L. Kalorides, the company CEO used that caught my eye. Finding out that they are environmentally-friendly sealed the deal with me.

Gracious to spend some time with me, this is a bit of our conversation.

Why would a bride/couple want to use you/your product?
All of our wedding designs are meant to be simple classic pieces with a modern twist. When I was getting married I always felt as if the choices were either too plain or too much. Also, the quality of our digitally printed products is extremely high even though our price point is very reasonable.

If you are eco/environmentally friendly, why?
We feel very strongly that it is important to support our industry's efforts to make environmentally responsible choices. We only print on recycled FSC certified paper and use only recycled FSC certified envelopes. And as we look to launch new products from time to time (such as our new notebook and boxed stationery lines), we make sure that they are always environmentally friendly.

What about you/the company decided to focus your attention and show your commitment to the environment?
It's funny, prior to being the founder/designer for Milo Paper, I practiced law in various large law firms for many years where I was continuously surrounded by piles and piles of paper that always ended up just being thrown away despite everyone's efforts to save as much paper as possible. I think that image has always stayed in my mind because when we started Milo Paper the first thing I said to my partners (my husband Nico and my best friend Evelyn) was that I wanted to make sure that we would always be an environmentally friendly company.

What would be a price range for a direct purchase or do the couples have to go through retailers?
At this time, Milo Paper only offers its designs wholesale and they are available for purchase through our retailers. We are luck to have some incredible retailers working with us. A list of our current retailers is available on our website - we are in the process of adding several that will carry all of our wedding products.

What is your turnaround time for product/personalization?
We aim towards a two-business day turnaround time for all of our products - and we're usually successful sticking to that goal. However, our official turnaround time is 2-4 business days.

I really like her designs, and friendly service. So if you are looking for something unique with a quick turn-around then look no further than Milo Paper.

For more information check out their site: www.milopaper.com or purchase directly from www.alwaysinvited.com

How not to break up with someone like Jason Mesnick

I really have to write just a quick note about the Bachelor last night.

Like many of you who watch and were rooting for this single dad to find the love of his life, I sat there with my mouth open saying “Oh My God”, over and over. I can’t imagine what happened to have him change his mind and to do it so publicly? It seems that Melissa’s parents were ‘right’ not to want to be a part of the publicity of it all and didn't want her heartbroken. I'm not a parent, but I was heartbroken for her just the same. Being in a real-relationship is work, real work and it takes two, so good luck to Jason and Molly.

You my lovely couples are living in the real world; away from the spotlight and the things that are ‘made for television’. Your life and love are hopefully real. The excitement of the engagement is great but it’s just the beginning. While I’m hoping to help you navigate through the sometimes stressful wedding planning, I will say that your partner may sometime see you as, a bride or groomzilla (yes groomzilla’s exist). Don’t worry, as long as you both communicate daily and work together things will be fine. In the end, the engagement is just the beginning, the wedding is just a day – the marriage is what we’re hoping will be for a lifetime.

Key: Being a good partner means being able to communicate daily, and remember the reasons you want to be together.

If however, you have decided to end your relationship, don't do it in public. Don't take them to a restaurant in the hopes that they won't create a scene. For gosh sakes, don't do it in front of millions of people. Keep in mind that at one point in time you, at least liked this person and this, even if 'expected' will still be hurtful. Knowing it's over and hearing it are two very different things. Maybe like Ross and Racheal of "Friends" fame, you just 'need a break'. Take one. Talk it out. If you decide that you can't be together, treat this person with the kindness and dignity they deserve. Remember it could be your brother, sister or even you on the end of a broken heart and relationship.

Until next time…