Wedding Dress Trends for 2015

Now that New York Bridal Market has ended, I want to share some of my favorite 2015 wedding dress trends that hit the runway.  You can bet your dollars that you will see these gowns worn down an aisle near you.

Colored Dresses
Blush wedding gowns move over.  There are new colors in town!  From blue to gold, colored gowns are all the rage.  Would you dare?

Tulle Skirts

I am so in love with the tulle skirt trend.  It's so feminine and fancy at the same time.  This is my kind of style for sure!

Capes and Collars

If you enjoy detailing around the neckline, dresses with capes or collars may be the style for you.

  

So what do you think?  Do any of these trends fit your personal style?  Let me know below.

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

3 Ways to Wow at Your Holiday Party

Fall is here and that can only mean one thing.  The holidays and holiday parties are right around the corner!  If you're hosting a holiday party this year, don't fret.  Try one of my tips below to add spice to your festivities.

1.  Custom Paper Invitations.  The invite sets the tone for your party and lets your guests know what type atmosphere to expect.  Just as we mail invites for weddings, I suggest doing the same for your holiday party.

2.   Sequin Linens.  Very popular right now, the sequin linen is an easy way to add shimmer.  They come in a variety of colors (gold is my fave!) and are sure to make an impression on your guests.

3.  Hot Chocolate Bar. Yes you heard me right, a hot coco bar! It's totally unexpected, but will be warmly welcomed during the cold winter months.  What's great is that your guests get to fix their own hot chocolate drink with toppings and flavorings of their choice.

So will you be trying any of these ideas at your party?  If not tell me what do you do to wow your party guests?

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

How To Use Lounge Seating At Your Next Event

Hi everyone!  So I'm planning a 40th birthday party and my client asks to include lounge seating.  I was so excited because lounge seating is such a fresh take on the traditional seating of tables and chairs, and it adds just the right touch of sophistication.  Another great advantage of using lounge furniture is that it encourages your guests to relax and really take in the evening.  I've put together some examples of how to wow your guests with lounge seating at your next event.

So what do you think? Will you try lounge seating at your next event?  Let me know below!

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

Hiring Wedding and Event Vendors

Hi everyone! Today I want to share a few tips to help you when choosing your wedding or event vendors.  I'm sure this can be rather overwhelming since there are so many great wedding and event professionals to choose from.

1.  Style-Consider if the vendor's style matches the style of your wedding or event.  For instance, does the photographer shoot the type of photos that you are interested in, or does the caterer provide the style of food you desire at your event.

2.  Contracts-Without a doubt, a professional wedding or event vendor should provide you with a contract for services.  

3.  Personality- This may not be important for each type of vendor,  but for the vendors that you will spend an ample amount of time with, such as the photographer and event planner, make sure that this is someone that you actually like and will enjoy being around.

4.  Trust and Respect- Once you've hired your vendors please trust them and listen to the feedback that they provide.  We only want what's best for you, your guests and everyone working to make your dream day a success!  

Have you considered either of these tips when choosing your vendors?  Let me know in the comments section below.

                                                                      Happy Planning!
                                                                            Raven J.

First Look or First Touch

If you're planning a wedding, you've probably heard of the "First Look" that has been all the buzz the past few years.  If not, the "First Look" is when the bride and groom decide to meet before the ceremony and see each other for the first time.  There are several advantages to doing a "First Look".  Not only does this moment make for beautiful pictures, but it gives the couple the opportunity to embrace each other and allow their emotions to calm before walking down the aisle.  Also, since the wedding day will move so swiftly, this is a good time for the couple to have some alone time before things get busy.

As an alternative, couples are now engaging in the "First Touch", which allows them to spend time together without actually seeing each other.  The bride and groom will typically meet at a corner with their backs to each other and hold hands.  Some couples will choose to pray together, or read hand written letters to each other.  The "First Touch" allows the groom to spend time with his bride, but he can still look forward to being surprised by her when she comes down the aisle.  

I'm a fan of either option.  As a planner I look forward to seeing the look on the groom's face when he sees his bride for the first time.  It's one of the many joys of my job.  So what say you?  "First Look" or "First Touch"?  Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

Real Raven J. Event: Sydney's Sip and See

Hi everyone!  Things have been pretty busy around here, but I am excited to share pics from a recent event I planned.  You're probably wondering, what exactly is a Sip and See?  A Sip and See is a southern tradition where parents welcome friends and family into their home to meet their new baby.  Similar to a shower, except the Sip and See takes place after the baby is born.  For my client's Sip and See, we chose a pink and gold color scheme.  There were several "Sips" for the guests to enjoy including pink lemonade, sherbet punch and my favorite, a bubbly bar featuring mango, orange and cranberry mimosas.  The guests nibbled on heavy hors d'oeuvres and spent the rest of the day doting on baby Sydney!  It was such a joy to help this couple plan their first baby's sip and see.  I hope you enjoy some of the detail pictures below.

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

      

Bridal Show Inspiration

Hi everyone! It's bridal show season and I have some great pictures to share that I captured recently.  Bridal shows are not only good for meeting reputable wedding vendors, but they are also great for getting inspiration for your wedding day design.  Take a look below and be inspired!

From modern, to elegant, to shabby chic, the style options are endless.  Which look is your fave?

Happy Planning!

Raven J.