The “Do Your Friends a Favor” campaign asks women to share their dress disaster stories; whether it was a horrible bridesmaid’s dress or just a major fashion faux pas, Amsale wants to know all about it! It’s easy to enter; your readers can simply follow a few easy steps. Here are the details:
Rewards:
Here’s an example of an entrant who’s fashion faux pas was wearing a gigantic girl scout cookie!: http://www.brickfish.com/Pages/PhotosAlbums/PhotoView.aspx?picid=832068_48507686&pid=1852896&scid=410&
You can see all the campaign details here: http://amsale.com/doyourfriendsafavor/
(thank you to Ashley for sharing this with us!)
Out on a Wedge – by fabuluxe on Polyvore.com
If you didn’t know, wedges are going to be white hot this spring, as are floral prints. So, if you would, kindly lift up your rock and pay attention 🙂
All the fabulously riche designers like Marc Jacobs (check out the heart shaped wedge) and Prada are kicking off the season with great wedge designs. Wedge heels have a personality all their own—they can be sporty or flirty to casual or formal. Need luxe for less? Try this ruffled set from Target or the Rio sandal by BP. You could find a pair like the ones above to wear with your gown, but a good wedge isn’t meant to be covered up.
Wedges are fabulous because they distribute pressure throughout the foot, whereas heels concentrate pressure on the ball of the foot. So this keeps you looking fabulous a lot longer (read about the other benefits of wedges here). So while you may not choose them for your gown, I see absolutely no reason why you can’t have several pair for such grand occasions as e-shots, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, etc.
If you want a successful and productive relationship with your event team, keeping secrets are a “no-no”—yes, even accidentally on purpose. It is similar to the relationship with your doctor or lawyer; if you want us to really help you, we do need to know everything. I typically tell my clients what my Contract Law professor told me: “Clients should tell you everything, and you can decide what’s not important”. This is very true, and rings true in our profession. We represent you to your caterer, florist, venue—practically everyone you come in contact with. Therefore, it is imperative that we always stay on the same page. Lack of communication and embarrassment can and has been the downfall of what could have been beautiful weddings.
1. The budget changes If for any reason your budget increases or decreases, you need to let your planner know as soon as possible. Your planner bases his/her recommendations based on the event’s personality, the dynamic between you and the vendor providing a service, but also on your budget. Any changes in your budget may put you in a different price bracket—either allowing you to choose between a higher caliber vendor or cause you find a more economical resource. Fear not, your planner can help you by creating a new set of priority shifts to meet your new budget to ensure you get what you want and need.
2. The family dynamic is off Some families have issues—others have subscriptions. And that is okay. If your parents are divorced and your mother would like to literally rip the face off of your stepmother or if the groom’s brother is the undependable black sheep of the family, your planner needs to know. To avoid any gaffes at the rehearsal or planning of the day, be sure to let her know of any rough edges either family may have. If you feel more comfortable discussing these potential pitfalls with your planner one-on-one, definitely take the time to do so. Your planner does this often enough to be able to foresee any mishaps and help you avoid them.
3. Critical vendor changes We want you to be proactive with all of your vendors, just be sure to keep us in the loop. If you ordered 20 burgundy bichon table linens, but then change it to 25 merlot lamours, your planner definitely needs to know. If you fire a vendor or change their service, it’s best to let your planner know as soon as possible. Do not assume that a change is too small to notify your planner; one simple change can cause a logistical nightmare. Since s/he will be responsible for confirming services and executing your day, having the latest, correct information is not optional.
4. You are not happy with his/her service Do not suffer in silence. Your planner is there to assist and guide you, not to be a hindrance to you enjoying your planning and special day. If your expectations are not being met, please bring them to your planner’s attention. Ask your planner if you could have an outline as to when you should expect certain things to be done. I am quite sure that your planner will welcome the opportunity to better assist you.
Remember: open lines of communication…always.
We’ve got some extra special planners for Thursday’s Virtual Soiree. These planners have made their marks, not only in their respective areas, but also in the industry. In addition to learning so much from these ladies, I am also privileged to call them friends. I know that our invitees will benefit greatly from their advice, humor and candor!
Saundra Hadley of Planning…Forever
The industry’s first event engineer, Saundra has created a following with her blog that encompasses her quick wit, attention to detail and boundless creativity. Planning and designing out of Evansville, Indiana, she and her staff cater to their clientele by providing practical, yet fun and personal solutions for their events. As she strives to make all of her couples feel “like a guest at their own weddings”, she also enjoys the purpose of her work. Her beautiful smile, creative ideas, infectious laughter and drive to execute her clients’ weddings to the best of her ability makes her a wonderful addition to our Virtual Soiree. In addition to seeing Saundra as FOX 7’s wedding planner, she will also be speaking at Eventology in Indianapolis, Indiana in April.
Emilie Duncan of Emilie Duncan Event Planning
Our Virtual Soiree attendees will benefit from Emilie’s personal attention and passion for color and creativity. Emilie feels that it is an honor to participate in each of her clients’ weddings, thusly blowing their minds about any preconceived notions about what it is to have a wedding planner. Having received training in floral and cake design and decoration, photography and more, Her clients are able to benefit from the many experiences of this talented planner. Emilie has been a featured expert in such publications as Bridal Guide, Columbus Monthly, Weddings in Cleveland and Weddings InStyle.
![[kbulter-headshots-20w.JPG]](https://i0.wp.com/3.bp.blogspot.com/_gniGz-ftOnw/SRj46rpW6FI/AAAAAAAABMY/43sr_StcJd8/S220/kbulter-headshots-20w.JPG?w=1060)
Katasha Butler of K.Sherrie & Co.
As the brains and beauty behind K.Sherrie & Co. and Eventology, Katasha seeks to infuse her brand of couture luxury service into each event her company takes on. Possessing the artistic flair, creativity and drive it takes to pull off a fantastic wedding, Katasha began her own boutique wedding company in 2006. With impeccable taste and an acute attention to detail, she truly adds a different touch to each client’s event. In 2009, Katasha will launch her first conference for wedding professionals, Eventology , in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Laura Auer of Wish Special Events
One of the freshest faces of event planning on the East Coast, Laura Auer and her fantastic team execute flawless events with plenty of personality. Understanding and providing the high level of customer service that she feels her client are entitled to, Laura draws not only from her education at James Madison University’s Special Events program, but also from her experience as a former bride. Her access to vast resources and some of the best vendors has made her an invaluable asset to her clients.
Invitations have been sent out to a select number of brides! If you would like to get in on our next virtual soiree, be sure to send us an email at blog {at} fabuluxeinc.com.
I love this song. This goes out to my favorite hot mama. She loves it too– ¡AZUCAR!
Rehearsal Dinner Couture: Rockstar – by fabuluxe on Polyvore.com
The mere addition of the big jewelry adds a rockstar edge to the Louboutin slingblacks and flowered halter dress. The gilded shoes completely modernize the romantic lines of rouched hem. Rock on with your luxe self!
As a lover of my DSLR, I found the straps from Phat Straps’ store on Etsy via GeekSugar to be absoluxely adorable! Fashion meets functions with these straps, which give you sense of security when shooting with your prized camera. The wrist straps, which retail for only $17, keep your camera close to you in the very sad event that you drop it. They also create quick release camera straps for only $27 (My favorite is the black damask, of course!). With DSLRs becoming extremely popular, helping your best gal pals add their own stylish twist will be a much appreciated gift!
Ascots are coming back into fashion this year—can you picture your Mister in one?
They are absolutely stunning—especially when paired with vests and/or long jackets. The look, as seen on Joshua Jackson, has a certain air and style that cannot be achieved with a classic bowtie or long tie. They are tres sexy and European. His Luxeness can rent his ascot if he would like, or purchase a silk one from such places as Forzieri Italia (be sure to sign up for their newsletter to receive 5% off!). If you do purchase it, why not personalize the inside of it with his initials or a love note from you. There are several styles and colors that will very well complement the wedding theme you have chosen and its colors.
Also, be sure to practice, if you do decide to purchase or rent!
