Redefine Your Registry Experience!

Dana Ostomel from Deposit a Gift helps teach us how to redefine the registry experience to fit your needs. Thanks Dana!

For many engaged couples today, a traditional department store registry doesn’t make sense: they already have what they need, don’t have space for extras and generally have different ‘starter’ needs. An increasingly popular option in response to this conundrum is the cash gift registry. It’s the perfect compromise because it gives you total flexibility while providing guests with a list of special gift items comprised of dreams and experiences you want most:

• a fabulous honeymoon
• romantic newlywed adventures
• a home down payment
• big ticket items you can’t register for
• a charity close to your heart

So what are the main things to keep in mind when selecting and managing the registry? Anything that will make it easier on guests? Absolutely!

TOP 3 SANITY SAVING REGISTRY TIPS:

1. Online availability is key: Make sure to have at least 1 registry with an online shopping option so guests can just click and go. You’ll be surprised how many gifts are bought the night before or the day of the event. Make sure the registry info is available on your wedding website, a handy tool for guests on the go!
2. Don’t have separate registries per event. When you register, you are creating gift lists for the occasion of getting married and these registries may be used for everything from an engagement party to a bridal shower.
3. Make it fun — think like a gift-giver! Although this is your moment, you’ll fare better if you keep your guests in mind. Thinking like a gift-giver means: What do you like to give as a gift? If you’re like most, you want to give something special that you’ll be remembered fondly for. So whether you’re making a registry to update your kitchen or registering for a new home fund, make a list of special items that is fun for guests to shop from.

Get in touch at the Deposit a Gift website, check out their blog, like them on facebook, stay in touch on twitter or give them a call at 646-504-7124 Happy shopping!

The BEST beauty tips from Gloss and Glam Girls

Beauty Tips from celebrity turned bridal make up and hair artists Gloss and Glam. These glossy girls know their stuff.

Skin: Any breakouts you see on your skin are the results of change that happens eight weeks prior to the breakout. Three months before your wedding you should formalize your skin plan. Stick to the plan and do not introduce any new products to the skin (this includes not just lotions, sunscreens, etc, but also fragrances and laundry detergents)

Tanning: I have met many brides that have chosen to go to the tanning salon before their wedding. ( I do not recommend this…its toxic for your skin) If you are going to go to a tanning salon please pick a spray tan, since it is not harmful to the skin. I recommend Mystic Level One.  However tan you plan to be at your wedding should be the same level of tan you are at your wedding trial. If you are pale at your trial, and tan at your wedding, you will have changed your makeup look completely.

Hair: Every girl secretly wants Barbarella’s hair, right? To achieve volume and bounce in your hair, after you’ve round brushed the top section of your head, wrap it on a velcro roller (size depends on the length of your hair and how much wave you’d like to achieve) while it’s still warm and spray it lightly with a workable hairspray like Sebastian Reshaper Zero Gravity. Let it cool and set, then unroll it and finger comb. For a little extra oomph, you can heat the hair on the roller with your blowdryer and let it cool again.

Bachelorette Party!

When planning a New York City bachelorette party be sure to think outside the box. A fun thing to do is a scavenger hunt through the city. Another idea is a Gloss and Glam Beauty Party. Gloss and Glam parties are luxurious events that include makeovers, beauty trend classes, MAKE YOUR OWN lipstick, lip gloss, perfume, fragrance reed diffusers, organic lotions, or candles! Its truly a girls’ night out. Not only do you leave looking fabulous, you can leave with a look that’s truly you in your personalized lip color!

For more on Gloss and Glam check out  their website, call 856.275.9608 or email makeupbynbr@gmail.com and if you’re feeling social check out their facebook page. For special promos mention Private Receptions in your email or phone call. Happy glamming!

*bride and groom photo by Danny Weiss

Cake Tips from Expert Megan Fitzroy

Megan Fitzroy, Executive Pastry Chef and Owner of Fitzroy Specialty Cakes and Pastries gives us some helpful tips for brides searching for the perfect wedding cake!

• A broad guideline to follow when choosing the design of a wedding cake is that the more complicated the design, the less tasty it will be.   Of course there are exceptions to this rule, but in general it is usually the case.  A complicated design requires hours and hours of work so the cake used must be able to sit out at room temperature for long periods of time.  In many cases the work done may not be able to be refrigerated.  I myself have worked on a cake for two days and know designers who have worked on a cake for five days!

• When choosing a cake, decide what is more important, the look of it, or the taste.  If you want a fresh and moist cake, you should opt for a simply designed cake. Also, less complicated cakes can usually be refrigerated which allows more choices of flavors or fillings. Mousse fillings are not stable enough to stand out at room temperature, so only simple cakes that can be refrigerated have delicious mousse fillings.

• Another helpful tip when searching for the perfect wedding cake is to ask the designer what brand of butter the cake designer uses.  Asking what brand of butter is used in their cake is equivalent to asking a bartender what brand of vodka is used in the mixed drink you would like to order.  You want a high quality butter such as Grand Reserve, Land o Lakes, or Plugra to name a few.  If you don’t recognize the name, that’s not a great sign. The higher quality the butter, the better the flavor of the cake.

• The same can be said for cocoa powder.  A common brand that is used is Hershey’s, which isn’t the best quality (though some people would argue makes a moister cake).  Ghirardelli, Droste, Callebaut and Valrhona are all good quality cocoa powders that will make a better tasting cake.  However, having said that, what is most important is if it tastes good to you!

Fitzroy and some of her creations

For more from Megan check out her website or call 860 655 8334

1950’s Attire for Your Vintage Wedding

Stephanie Gaito

Hello, lovely ladies! Its time for another vintage wedding theme! Todays theme is all about 50s glam, a time when rhinestones ruled and pearls were the perfect touch! This is truly a timeless theme since the silhouettes of 50s dresses were so flattering on many different body shapes. The best way to nip in a waist and create a flirty shape is to pick a fabulous vintage 50s dress and add a crinoline to achieve an hourglass shape.

The 50s was not a decade known for showing a ton of skin so many of the classic wedding dresses of the era are pretty modest. A way to get a little more of a modern look while still staying vintage is to look for 50s party or prom dresses in white. Many of them are knee length, with a flouncy, layered skirt perfect for a wedding! Little details will pull this look together. Keep rhinestones, bows and pearls close at hand for creating the perfect touch. Choose a shoe with a mid to high heel to accentuate and elongate the leg, playing close attention to the front details. Make sure to pick up a shoe with a little bow or rhinestone details at the toe.

Another great thing about this decade is the abundance of wedding-perfect hats! There are so many beautiful options out there in many styles and colors. I love the idea of a bow perched atop your curls with a vintage veil. So classic! This theme is great because you can decide how kitschy you want to go. You could choose an old church with classic mid century architecture or a dance hall decorated like a sock hop! Whether its Madmen-esque with a smoky glamourous feel or a classic car theme with a rockabilly edge, you can make this wedding a 1950s dream!

Good luck! xoxo Stephanie

photo credits from left to right: vintage tapered faux pearl necklace by Ophela Vintage, vintage 50's floral wedges by FabGabs, vintage 50's ivory white lace wedding dress by Jumbelaya, 1950's clear rhinestone necklace by Nostalgia Blues, beautiful faux wedding bouquet by Watermenot, vintage sheer organza rose head piece with veil by Vintage Repeats, vintage 50's bow heels by Revolving Styles, 50's embroidered evening purse by La Mistinguette, vintage 50s bridesmaid pink party dress by Jumbelaya, All on Etsy

Thanks Stephanie! For more of Gaito’s fashion insights visit her style blog, Kaleidoscopic Sea, and to purchase some of her hand picked threads head to her Etsy shop, Trip Out Vintage.

A Vintage 1970’s Wedding

Stephanie Gaito

Online vintage shop owner and style blogger Stephanie Gaito guest blogs this week to give us some insight on Vintage Weddings–what a treat!

Incorporating vintage is the best way to add a special touch to your wedding. Whether it is a full on theme or just a touch here and there, vintage allows your celebration to be unique. Adding personalized touches that reflect your interests and personalities are key. Lets say you love Marilyn Monroe and Hollywood glam! Your fiance may love classic cars and James Dean! Think of adding a vintage inspired, Marilyn-esque hairstyle with perhaps a 50s Porsche to whisk you away onto your honeymoon. The possibilities are endless!

So what details are most important to creating a vintage inspired theme wedding? With your gown being the centerpiece of your look it is important to capture the essence of the wedding theme with your dress. Once you have found the perfect vintage gown don’t worry too much about making sure each piece of jewelry or decor is vintage as well. It can be difficult to find everything in your size or things that perfectly represent the image in your mind. It is more about achieving a vibe, a vintage feel.

Today, lets explore a whimsical theme, the 1970s bohemian garden wedding. Lets set the scene, shall we? Think of it as an afternoon, woodland wedding. Lanterns lit above your head hanging from a thick canopy of trees. Soft focus, romantic mood lighting. The grass under your bare feet is green and lush. You have selected the perfect bohemian style gown, complete with lace and flowing layers. Your hair is in loose and long waves with the perfect crown of flowers atop. Your makeup is simple, with long eyelashes and flushed cheeks and lips. Your guests are ready to watch the ceremony in your beautiful outdoor wonderland. An evening that surely no one will soon forget.

photo credits from top left to right: vintage mason jar lantern by Seasonables, vine lanterns from Kate Burger, bohemian lace wedding gown from Safe As Milk Vintage, floral headpiece from Head Case By G, vintage 1960s wicker handbag by Walborg from Attic Goods, handmade Swarovski crystal earrings by Karmeli Designs, 70s vintage silver hinged leaf cuff bracelet from Decades. All items on Etsy

Make sure to come back again on Thursday where we will put together another classic vintage themed wedding! See you soon!

Check out Stephanie’s Etsy shop to find your perfect vintage threads and Style Blog to get inspired.

Healthy Skin Is In! by Makeup Artist Lauren Napier

Lauren on the job

Beauty Tips and Trends by Celebrity Makeup Artist and Beauty Expert Lauren Napier

Beautiful wedding day makeup begins with healthy skin. Upgrade your skin’s vitality in just a few steps.

• Assess your current skin condition. If you’re struggling with dry and dehydrated skin try Shu Uemura’s Hydrability Skincare System. If your battle is oily skin, try Shu Uemura’s PuRenovate Skincare System.

• Concealer is a key element used to balance discoloration throughout your face. Select a cream concealer that matches your cheek’s skin tone. Avoid using a concealer color that is too light, creating the “Raccoon Eye.” Apply concealer to the under eye, over nasal shadows and at the outer corners of your mouth. This creates evenness throughout the center focal points of your face.

• Follow up with foundation! Start with a dime-sized droplet of liquid foundation. Apply with a moistened Beauty Blender Sponge. Use the Beauty Blender’s larger round side throughout your face, forehead, cheeks and chin. Use pointed the side around the nose and under the eyes.

• Blush and Bronzer add color to lustrous skin. Choose your blush style. If you desire a dewy cheek apply a cream based blush along with a shimmering power blush. If you’re a matte gal, apply a powder blush with a large, fluffy blush brush over your full cheek.

You’ve got the healthy glow in 4 simple steps! Don’t fret, keep beauty simple. “Never lose the woman beneath the makeup!”

For more info on Lauren Napier visit her website email info@laurennapier.com or call 646.797.7567

New Online Registry!

There’s a new Manhattan-centric Online Registry in town, and we like it! The girls at NewlyWish share the details with Private Receptions.

NewlyWish is a NYC based online wedding registry that offers all of the traditional registry items, plus a range of experience and non-traditional gifts, all in a single online portal, to provide the choice, convenience, and personalization today’s couples expect. NewlyWish was born out of the registry experience of the founders who, like many of today’s to-be-weds, had lived together prior to getting married and already had many of the traditional registry staples – such as cooking equipment and dinnerware – and, living in NYC, didn’t have too much extra space to store large kitchen items or china sets.

NewlyWish’s founders thought that couples should have a place to register for all the things they really want – with a range of non-traditional options – while accessing their favorite local merchants.   2 years later, NewlyWish was born.

What sets NewlyWish apart?

• Focus on NYC-based merchants (e.g. Fishs Eddy, John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman, Bowery Kitchen Supplies, etc…)
• Experience and Non-Traditional gift options: Food & Wine, Dancing & Cooking Lessons, Fitness Memberships and Personal Training, and even Artwork and    Museum Memberships.
• In addition to a registry, NewlyWish operates as a regular e-commerce platform for wedding-related products, services, and gift ideas including gifts for Parents and Attendants, Favors and Welcome Bags, Bridal Showers/Bachelorette Parties (e.g. cooking or salon pampering themed parties), and Eco-Friendly Registry Options.

Comments from Bride-to-Be Rosa Pellicano

Fishs Eddy

With NewlyWish I feel like I can truly customize my registry and not feel pressured into registering for items big name department stores tell me to register for.

My favorite items on my own registry are the unique and charming 212 NYC Skyline every day dishware from Fishs Eddy, Physique 57’s 10 class package (I plan on taking their Bridal Countdown challenge), and a Dancing Lesson for me and my fiancé at NY Wedding Dance.

Unique Cake Tips from Sugar Flower Cake Shop!

by Amy DeGiulio, Owner Sugar Flower Cake Shop

A wedding cake, symbolic of the bride and groom’s love, is the most photographed object of the day, yet in the current economic environment brides are looking for ways to economize without sacrificing the overall look.

• DIY – To save money, many brides turn to a close friend or family member who can bake a wedding cake, but these home bakers usually lack the necessary decorating skills.  Clever brides turn to Sugar Flower Cake Shop for flowers individually handmade from sugar that can be added to create truly stunning cakes.  The flowers can be shipped anywhere in the world and preserved as lasting keepsakes after the event. The flowers can be shipped anywhere in the world and preserved as lasting keepsakes after the event.

• Simplicity – The Chic Cake Collection by Sugar Flower Cake Shop was designed for those searching for an elegant special occasion cake that simply expresses their chic style.  This allows brides the option to move away from custom designs by choosing from an array of six styles of cakes and decor options. This way brides are able to mix-and-match to achieve a more personalized look without the custom cake price point.

Sugar Flower Cake Shop creates special occasion cakes from local and sustainable ingredients featuring realistic-looking flowers that are handmade from sugar.  Their work has been featured on the STYLE Network, in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine and in Brides New York magazine.

For more info on Sugar Flower Cake Shop visit their website, email amy@sugarflowershop.com, or call 917-639-3901

Great Performances Tells the Tale of a Green Wedding

by Lonnie Firestone, Public Relations & Marketing Coordinator for Great Performances

A Green Wedding: Jacquie Berger & Michael Warner, May 2009

THE VISION:

Jacquie and Michael are passionate about environmental conservation. They dedicate their day-to-day eating and living habits to it, and, more so, their professions. Michael is working on a green renovation of a 100+ year-old brownstone, and Jacquie is the Executive Director of Just Food, a New York City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting both urban and rural sustainable food producers.

The Bride and Groom

Planning a wedding that supports sustainable agriculture was essential for the bride and groom. Their top priority was the food, and Great Performances proved to be an ideal match, creating a 100-Mile Menu with ingredients sourced from local farms.

For floral design, the couple selected Mischief Bouquets, a local flower farmer & florist that produces beautiful flowers without the use of herbicides and artificial fertilizers.

Equally dedicated to social responsibility as they are to conservation, Jacquie and Michael sought wedding bands that were produced without exploitive labor, and the bride chose a wedding dress from The Bridal Garden – a nonprofit boutique that donates proceeds of their sales to educational initiatives for NYC children.

Artisanal Cheeses from Local Cheese Makers

The couple’s wedding day was elegant and romantic, proving that style and core values can beautifully coexist.

Below is a sample of how you can have a green menu for your wedding!

THE MENU:

Specialty Beverage
Passion Fruit Lemonade
Hors d’Oeuvres
Chicken Sesame with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Single Wonton Stacks with Tuna and Ginger
Red Tomato Gazpacho Sips
Seared Hudson Valley Apple Tart Tatin with Aged Goat Cheese
Stations
Artisanal Cheeses from Local Cheese Makers
Assorted Seasonal Vegetables
Whipped Artichoke and Parmesan Dip
First Course
Katchkie Farms Organic Greens Salad with New York State Goat Cheese
Citrus Vinaigrette, New York State Goat Cheese and Roasted Baby Beets
Edible Flowers
Entree
Wild Striped Bass
Hudson Valley Sweet Corn Brulee, Sauteed Spinach,
and Katchkie Farm Tomato Beurre Blanc
Dessert
Assorted Cupcakes
Cookies, Petit Fours, and Truffles

For more info on green weddings and Great Performances check out their website , email CelebrateFood@greatperformances.com, or call 212.727.2424. Thanks to Lonnie and the Great Performances Team!

Tips on Favors and Guest Gifts from the Pros!

What to give as guest gifts? The girls at Navy & Lavender give us some helpful tips and tricks on gifts and favors. See below for more on this great one stop favor shop. Thanks ladies!

Here are a few of our favorite gifting tips…

• Mix and match favors!  Give guests a little variety by gifting an assortment of favors all unified by a common theme or color scheme.  Couples will especially appreciate receiving different gifts instead of two of the same, but if you’re on a budget you can certainly just give one favor per couple!

• Remember that hometown weddings can still be a destination for some guests.  Be sure to arrange accommodations for any out-of-towners.  Welcome gifts are the perfect way to make guests feel at home and kick off the celebration on the right foot!

• Look to your venue for inspiration for your gifts.  For example if you’re having an island destination wedding, give your bridesmaids something practical they can use for the trip like bikini bags and after-sun lotions.  Each time they use them after the wedding they’ll be reminded of your special day!

Navy & Lavender is all about the details!  Our goal is to make your wedding as memorable for you as it is for your guests.  With our distinctive charm and personalized touches, we offer a unique and stylish assortment of welcome gifts, favors, and presents for the bride, groom, and bridal party.  Navy & Lavender’s elegant products coupled with our superior customer service help make gift giving a fun and enjoyable experience for both the gift giver and recipient.

And if for some reason you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, we are always happy to help source or customize products to fit your wedding vision!

For more info. check out their website, blog, or give them a ring at 646.329.6489