This Monday at the London Hotel in West Hollywood The Wedding Salon held a special Bridal Event. My friend Monica - a July Bride-To-Be who is on the lookout for a non-cheesy wedding DJ - invited me to join her but due to a prior commitment (i.e., dog feeding duty while my boyfriend was at a work meeting…shameless plug: visit www.twitter.com/tmtiw to learn more about his upcoming film debut) I could not be her date to explore the best in local Los Angeles wedding vendors (and trust me, I would have loved to go). So instead I said, “Hey, Monica, why don’t you write me a report on the event.” And lucky for all of us, that is exactly what she did. Thanks Monica!

But before I share with you Monica’s Wedding Salon review I want to tell you a little about her so that you get a sense of the source. Monica is in the music business. She loves accessories, has a hip/eclectic/fun fashion sensibility and is an absolute foodie. She is getting married in July at Smog Shoppe - an incredible green wedding space here in Los Angeles, well, Culver City. Personally I am looking forward to this venue as I have yet to attend an event here.

Monica loves Monique Lhuillier, going to every amazing concert here in LA, and entertaining at home. She is also soon to be the mayor of everything on FourSquare and cares deeply for her friends and family. And this is why I want to share her report.

Monica’s Top Fave:

Favorite moment/find: R•Mine Bridal had models in gowns circulating throughout the event instead of a timed runway show. This was great for a busy bride like me because I never seem to be able to catch the runway shows. I either have to leave before they start and run to the next thing or I get to the event late and miss it.

Long story short, I came back from the bathroom and saw THE EXACT obnoxiously-large flower detail that I want to add to my dress. I asked this tiny model who she was representing - and because this event is so swanky the designer of this dress was there and standing two feet away. I met the designer, gushing about her dress and telling her about mine.

I have a beautiful Monique Lhuillier but want to add pockets and details to make it more me. The designer said she never does alterations but liked where I was going with my idea. She slipped me her card to make an appointment and now I heart Armine Ohanessian from R•Mine Bridal in Studio City.

Monica’s Other Faves:

Lots of freebies at this upscale show including ridiculously yummy vanilla cupcakes with caramel centers (!!!) from Blue Cupcake. The dessert buffet complete with ‘wedding cake pops’ almost made me regret my deposit for a dessert buffet with Auntie Em’s but I say almost because we really want to bring a piece of home to our wedding*.

Also, the open Hpnotiq vodka bar was a nice touch that took this event to a livelier louder decibel. I recommend the Hpnotiq and pineapple juice infusion cocktail. It made me break the self-imposed sobriety I had committed to since my Bachelorette party two weeks ago.

Locations and resorts were also so creative. There was a ranch handing out lavender bouquets and a villa boasting a large pot of sangria. Who wouldn’t want to talk to them and see what they’re all about? Not to mention, the London Hotel! They have so many services including group rates, private rooms for rehearsal dinners and roof top amenities - like a day of manis and pedis for bridal party in pool-side cabanas overlooking the city!

Monica’s Honorable Mention:

Gabriel Almodovar: How can you not love a man so focused on his trade that he committed to doing FULL makeovers (hair and makeup) for the entire five hour show. Brides were waiting over an hour in line for him. I don’t have time for that but just from his personality and having seen how he treated the other brides, I am going to contact him.

Monica’s Not Loving:

Still no DJ. So over the uber-cheesy DJs that remind me of high school dances. Are there no good DJs in LA that will do our reception? We don’t want Macarena, we want 90s Hip Hop mixed with Indie Rock with a little bit of Lady Gaga on the side!

The presence of the Beverly Hills plastic surgery physicians - yuk. But I did grab a stress ball in the shape of a breast (nipple and all) to take home to my fiance.

*Elle’s Notes:

Auntie Em’s Kitchen is incredible. They are located in Eagle Rock - just like Monica - and are known for their most delicious red velvet cupcakes. For my boyfriend’s birthday I special ordered two pies - one apple and one pear - as he does not like cake, and there was not one piece left to save for later. So Monica can’t go wrong with choosing Auntie Em’s for her wedding and come August I will be sure to tell her how amazing the desserts were.

Also, Monica still needs a wedding DJ. If you are a DJ or you know of a great LA-based DJ, please email me at solutions at surviveweddingseason dot com. And - plug - don’t forget to learn more about the film The Man That I Was. Just me being very proud of my man, Elle

For more on The Wedding Salon, watch the video below:

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4. This FIAZ CO Clutch Is A Clutch Bridesmaid Gift  
5. Expert Survival Tip: It’s a Nice Day for a Green Wedding by Carolyn Scott
6. Expert Survival Tip: Reselling Your Bridesmaid Or Wedding Dress by Judy Meggs

Have a great wedding survival tip to share with the Survive Wedding Season community? Email your tips to solutions@surviveweddingseason.com.

Your Attendance Is Appreciated! ^™

Carolyn “The Healthy Voyager” Scott recently wrote an article on how to plan an eco-friendly/-nomical wedding and we wanted to share it with you here:

Being a former wedding planner that just planned my own, the challenge was stretching our limited budget to host the most eco-friendly and affordable wedding I had ever planned - without missing any of the elements of a larger event. So with wedding season approaching, I figured I would share some insider tips in the case that you, or someone you know, is headed down the aisle and is frantic about finances and/or their carbon footprint!

Plan Ahead & Be Flexible

Depending on the size and style of your wedding, I typically advise on a year to eighteen months to plan. More often then not, the perfect date and venue is pricey or won’t be available at the same time. Consider off season dates or weekdays as venues charge less. Also, think outside of the box as traditional venues charge for convenience and have many rules. Think of having your ceremony at a park or beach and ask a friend to use their house for the reception. String up some market lights in the backyard, making it look simple and elegant for the cost of dinner and a movie, if not less.

Pool Your Resources & Get Creative

You might find out that you’ve got a handful of amateur vendors within your circle of family and friends. Then fill in the blanks with vendors you don’t have covered. Make your own play list, add it to your iPod, hook it to a rented a speaker system and add a microphone for toasts. Make your dress or tweak one you find at a second hand store. My 100% green Annatarian dress (above) was made from fabric she already had in her eco-studio. Just get creative and don’t be afraid to ask.

Make a list of what you can and can’t live without 

You may find that there is quite a bit you can shave off. Having a friend officiate may not cut it so make sure a church wedding makes it on the must have list. But if you can skip programs, do it. Just because a wedding check list says you need x,y and/or z, doesn’t mean you need the entire alphabet. Customize your day so you can save in some areas and splurge on more important ones!

Reuse, re-purpose, recycle & re-imagine

If you’re crafty, have friends over for wine and craft night. Instead of buying an expensive card box I would never use again, I cut a slit at the top of a box, and wrapped it with wrapping paper that matched my wedding colors. Instead of a traditional sign in book, I used an old photo album, decorated the pages with wedding stickers, and used recycled paper for guests to write messages on and stick to the pages. Lastly, I created a recipe and printed it on construction paper for our guests to take home as their gift. All of this cost us about $15 total, if not less, and it took one evening.

Have a potluck meal or a cocktails & cake reception 

If you’re spending a third to half of your budget on catering, it’s time to re-think it. Many people enjoy potlucks because guests have been able to contribute to your celebration. Because we opted for cocktails and cake instead of a meal, we had more time to spend with our guests, dance and enjoy all the reception events without rushing, saving about $10,000 on food, rentals and deliveries.

Borrow

Many single use items are part of a wedding so why not borrow? Many brides rent or borrow their dress so they are able to wear the gown of their dreams without the hefty price tag. For a home wedding, borrow furniture from friends and neighbors instead of renting. Create lounge, standing and table areas with mismatched furniture. Tie it all together with items such as candles, centerpieces, fire pits, etc.

Make it a collaborative effort - you will learn that what is meant to be YOUR day is really everyone’s day, especially family. So instead of resisting because you want things just so, take them up on offers to help! If delegated well, you will have a stress free, beautiful day that everyone involved will enjoy. What if Aunt Tilly did the flowers and Uncle Joe made lasagna? Bringing friends and family into planning the day not only makes it more personal and unique, but all the more memorable.

All in all, it’s your day and you want it to be special. But remember that the most important thing is the marriage and the wedding day is a celebration of that. Don’t miss the fun of getting to the altar worrying about details. Make the most of what you’ve got happily, cheaply and green!

For more information, visit www.healthyvoyager.com.

This article was reprinted with the permission of the author.

Related topics:

1. Expert Survival Tip: “We Do” Healthy Eating! by Carolyn “The Healthy Voyager” Scott
2. SWS Fashion Friday - Annatarian Bridal
3. Expert Survival Tip: Reselling Your Bridesmaid Or Wedding Dress by Judy Meggs
4. Adding Social Responsibility To Your Wedding Season
5. Email Never Looked So Elegant! Try Paperless Post.
6. Expert Survival Tip: Design Affordable Flowers Like A Pro by Sarah von Pollaro

Have a great wedding survival tip to share with the Survive Wedding Season community? Email your tips to solutions@surviveweddingseason.com.

Your Attendance Is Appreciated! ^™

We have got another great Expert Tip from Wedding Planner Vicky Choy of Event Accomplished. Just like her previous advice on the topics of Hindu Wedding Rituals and the amazingly, on-the-money post: To Bring A Date Or Not To Bring A Date, she is back to help us all survive wedding season. This new topic: What To Do When You Receive An Invitation. Check out this response card Vicky sent as well. The poor bride has not a clue who is coming but can see by the smiley face that they are really happy to attend.

From Vicky:

What's missing from this RSVP? We have no idea who the two attending guests are! Even the smiley face they drew didn't help solve the mystery! Don't be like them! Write your names down.

1- Look At The Envelope:

The exact names of the invitees will be listed (see previous article).

2- On the RSVP card, you will likely see a “M” with a line after it or sometimes you just see a line. What to do:

Fill in your title and name, i.e. Mrs. Vicky Choy. Be sure to put down all those who will be attending and only those who will be attending, i.e. Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Jane Smith or Bob, Jane, Billy and Anne Smith if there are children (that were invited). The bride and groom will be using this information to fill out their escort cards. Please print legibly!

3- If the RSVP card also requests you to choose an entree for your dinner, please put your name or initials next to the entree of your choice:

For example, if you see a choice for beef or fish on the RSVP card, do not simply put “1 fish” and “1 beef”. How do the bride and groom know if Bob Smith or his wife Jane Smith is the one getting the beef and vice versa? The bride and groom will be providing this information to their caterer. Sometimes your entree choice is indicated on a place card so that the wait staff can easily serve you the correct entree.

(more…)

Kathy Goodman, event planner and owner of Well Rehearsed - a unique event planning company that focuses on designing rehearsal dinners - is back to teach us more about rehearsal dinner etiquette! This time Kathy is here to help us properly toast the bride and groom with her ten point strategy on how to give an appropriate and memorable speech.  So whether this is the first wedding season in which you will have to stand up and speak, or the tenth, here are some helpful tips to keep in your back pocket (or purse) when preparing your words.

From Kathy:

1. The host goes first.
2. Keep it short and simple
3. Write it down.
4. Practice makes perfect.
5. Rise to the occasion.
6. Stay sober.
7. Introduce yourself.
8. Speak loudly, slowly and clearly.
9. Use humor - but keep it clean.
10. End with a wish, traditional toast or blessing.

As someone who has spoken at a rehearsal dinner, I wish I had these helpful tips then - particularly the part about keeping it short - but I am certainly happy to have them now. Thanks Kathy. To learn more about Kathy Goodman and Well Rehearsed visit http://www.wellrehearsed.com.

To set up a complimentary phone consultation with Kathy email info@wellrehearsed.com or call 415.314.5333. Not only will you get to speak with an incredible event planner, you will also receive her Well Rehearsed Rehearsal Dinner Toasting Tips Coaster Set!

Related topics:

1. Expert Survival Tip: What To Expect At A Rehearsal Dinner by Kathy Goodman
2. Expert Survival Tip: Personalized Wedding Poems by Chloe Yelena Miller
3. Expert Survival Tip: To Bring A Date Or Not To Bring A Date by Vicky Choy
4. Bad Guest Etiquette: Asking About The Rehearsal Dinner
5. Best Wishes Bride. Congratulations Groom. 
6. What To Expect At A Quaker Wedding

Have a great wedding survival tip to share with the Survive Wedding Season community? Email your tips to solutions@surviveweddingseason.com.

Your Attendance Is Appreciated! ^™

Meet Los Angeles-based Wedding Coordinator, Amber Gustafson of Amber Events! Amber is in love with texture, things that sparkle, vintage clothes, cheap beer, and expensive wine. With over 50 weddings planned - and executed flawlessly - if there is anything Amber knows a lot about, it is weddings. Amber is our newest Wedding Guest Survival Expert and she is here to remind you that affordable, creative and meaningful wedding presents and bridal shower gifts truly do exist. Thanks Amber!

From Amber:

Ah, wedding season! The invitations start rolling in, each more beautiful than the one before! You RSVP yes, mark your calendar, and then ask the Maid of Honor where the happy couple is registered. Nordstrom? Of course; the place where the cheapest pair of socks is like $12.99.

If the question foremost on your mind this season is how you are going to afford to give nice gifts, then this article is for you. Each gift listed below is under $30.00.

Bridal Shower Gift Ideas

Vintage Handkerchief

Every Bride should have a cloth hankie to use when she walks down the aisle. For $6-12 at an antique store you can find clean, gorgeous, white handkerchiefs with handmade tatting or lace trim. Many times they are monogrammed and you can find one with her initial or the initial of her new last name. Take it a bit further and embroider her wedding date on one corner in either white or pale blue thread. Even if you can’t sew, just Google “embroidery stitch” for step-by-step instructions.

Stationary

If your friend is a classy person, she will be writing a LOT of Thank You notes over the next few months, so either a set of beautiful letterpress Thank You cards or personally designed stationary (more on that below) will come in very handy.

Name Change Kit

If your friend plans on changing her name, then this $29.95 gift will save her an obscene amount of time. MsNowMrs.com is a name change tool that is the best thing since sliced bread. The bride-to-be enters all of her information in just once and the program spits out all the forms and letters she needs to send to every place in the world that has her maiden name.

Wedding Gifts

Framed Invitation

This might seem a bit silly, but a lot of brides don’t think to frame their wedding invitation and after the wedding it goes into a box never again to see the light of day. I recommend taking their invitation to a picture frame store and choosing a frame that matches their personal style. Modern couple? Have it floating in a glass block frame. Traditional couple? Choose a luxurious mat and a beautiful dark wood frame.

Christmas Ornament

For the couple that celebrates Christmas, a photo frame tree ornament engraved with their wedding date is something that they will love. They will be able to put their favorite wedding photo in it and enjoy it for years to come. Personalization stores such as Things Remembered carry engrave-able ornaments.

Bottle of Wine

Choose a bottle of wine that either has some significance in the name of the vineyard, or just a good bottle that you know they will love. Write a letter and include stories of when they were dating, quotes about love, or a meaningful poem. Attach the letter securely to the bottle of wine and write a specific date that they are to open and consume it. Maybe a 5, 10, or 20 year anniversary? As the years go by, the wine becomes more and more valuable to them. As does the letter that is unopened.

Napkins

In my opinion, handmade things carry 100x the value of purchased items, so if you can sew just the tiniest bit, a cloth napkin set that fits their individual style would be so meaningful (and eco-friendly)! For step-by-step instructions on how to sew cloth napkins, see my Amber Events blog.

Stationary

Anyone with basic publishing software like Microsoft Publisher and some heavy cotton card stock can create personalized stationary for the couple. Are they music lovers? Scan a sheet of music and have it be faded in the background of the card with their initials in the forefront. Make sure you purchase matching envelopes to go with the custom stationary. And make sure they know it is handmade so they know to appreciate it! Whenever I make gifts for friends, I attach these cute little “Made with Love by Amber” cards to them.

Engraved Doorknocker

Granted, this gift is a bit more than $30.00, but I love giving a brass or stainless steel engraved door knocker with their last name and the year their new home was established (i.e., “Jones” on the first line and “Est. 2010″ underneath). A marriage is the creation of a new family and what better way to celebrate than to have it as the first thing people see when they come to your home?

Happy gift giving this wedding season! Don’t break the bank!

Related topics:

1. The Gift Of Cooking - Los Angeles Edition
2. What To Expect At A Quaker Wedding
3. Best Wishes Bride. Congratulations Groom.
4. Bridal Shower Gift: The New Mrs. Is Gonna Love A Rockin’ New Wallet For Her New IDs!
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Have a great wedding survival tip to share with the Survive Wedding Season community? Email your tips to solutions@surviveweddingseason.com.

Your Attendance Is Appreciated! ™