How To – Submit Your Wedding to the NY Times, part 1

How To by Jennifer Crone

If you’re getting married and you’re a New Yorker you have 2 things to be excited about! But how can you share your exciting news with New York? There’s no better place than the New York Times, but of course. This week we tell you how to submit your wedding, next week we’ll go beyond the step by step and tell you how to make it in the New York Times!

The New York Times

1. You must be a registered member of the New York Times online to submit your wedding. Scary? No way! All you do is submit your email address and some info about yourself (you can opt out or choose “other” for every category except sex).
2. Check out their How To Submit a Wedding Page for guidelines and deadlines. Most importantly you must submit six weeks prior to your wedding date. This is not a deadline you want to overlook. Timeliness is everything. Begin to write your announcement 8 weeks to allow for edits, spell checks, friend/family/fiance checks, and mailing time.
3. Fill out the simple form with all the specific details of your event and those included (that would be you and groomy). They have a “sample announcement” as a guideline and encouragement to describe in detail how you met. There is also a place to upload photos.

But what to say?? Which photos to submit?? See you next Tuesday for Part 2 when I tell you How To – Get Your Wedding in the New York Times!

Fashion Fever – So many fabrics, only 1 dress!

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

So you’ve just been proposed to – CONGRATS! Date is set, venue is booked, and bridesmaids are chosen, there’s only one minor problem, YOU’RE DRESSLESS!  That’s ok, deep breaths! Fashion Fever is here to help, exploring different fabrics used for bridal gowns.  There are many types of fabrics built into the silhouette of the dress so we will only be going over a few (you can’t spend too much time reading about fabrics – you got to get out there and look for a fabulous gown!)

Vera Wang

Organza is a crisp fabric.  It is thin enough to just accent some bridal gowns but strong enough to be the entire base of others.  It is very similar to chiffon but has a heavier foundation.

• Pro: Organza has the most romantic feel!  Perfect for a Romantic Fall wedding.
• Con: Organza is very easily wrinkled and must be steamed properly to relieve the wrinkles. PR loves Vera Wang organza ballgown!

Charmeuse is a very lightweight fabric, which forms and contorts to your body’s shape and movement.

• Pro: It’ll show off that dedicatedly worked-out bridal body!  Check out Private Reception’s Lauren Coopers “Sweat the Stress Away: Bridal Workouts!”  blog for tips to help get into great shape for your big day.
• Con: In photos the fabric may come across too clingy so be aware of the dress’s shape at all times.

Chiffon is a very lightweight and sheer fabric.  This fabric–radiating with a fashion fever–adds dimension to any bridal gown, contributing to the dress with subtle texture.

• Pro: The Perfect summer dress!  Its weightless feel will keep you cool for any warm summer day!
• Con: This very thin knit fabric can be easily ripped!  Be very, very careful when handling your gown.

Oscar De La Renta

Silk is a word that defines itself!  It is very elegant and always helps those who wear it portray class!  This fabric can be infused making up different types of silks such as silk faille—a glossy silk with hard texture, silk taffeta—a mid-weight silk with a polished look, silk crepe—an opulent texture with a soft feel.

• Pro: Studies show that silk fabrics can enhance your inner calmness, which is perfect for calming nerves on your wedding day!
• Con: The dress may turn yellow if ironed improperly, so be sure to trust the shop that you bring your gown to! Check out Oscar de la Renta’s Silk Razmir strapless gown with ruffle detail. One of our June brides wore this gown and it looked so couture! To see photos check out our Private Receptions Facebook Fan Page, the “Sarah & Michael” album.

This is only the beginning brides-to-be!  The best way to picking your fabric is trying on gowns of different types to see which you’ll love for your wedding day!

Fashion Fever – Flower Power

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

Flower girl!  The word speaks for itself; it’s a word that describes cute, adorable, and playful all rolled into one.  Flower girls can be the mini versions of your bridesmaids from dress and shoes to hair and accessories.  They want to be dolled up as much as you do, so have fun with the cute idea of little girl(s) walking down your ring bearer or throwing petals on your runway to your groom.  Here are some Fashion Fever tips for dressing your flower girl.

Try Fox’ n Lily for a wide variety of dresses.  They offer sleeveless to keep your flower girl cool during these hot summer months or sleeves to keep your flower girl comfortable during a winter wonderland wedding.  The dresses are designed with embellished jewels, satin sashes, and lace overlays, depending on what you’re looking for they have it all!

If you’re looking for something full of tulle try Etsy.  They have over 200 dresses and tutus for any flower girl walking down the aisle. Some may be a bit over the top for an everyday wear but the loads of tulle create the perfect flower girl ensemble.  Try Dreamspun for unique handmade dresses.  Each dress is handmade when ordered! So you’re flower girl will look like one of a kind!

First row l. to r. White dress with green sash: Fox' n Lily, Gold sequins flats: J. Crew, Flower girl walking down aisle: Johanna Grace, Flower girl sitting on the stairs: Fox' n Lily, Flower girl baby: Johanna Grace Group of 3 flower girls: Dreamspun Tangerine Headband: J. Crew, Red flower girl dress: Dreamspun, White and lavender dress: Fox' n Lily, Flower girls and ring bearer: Johanna Grace, Cream lace dress: Fox' n Lily, Pink flower hair accessory: Fox' n Lily, Vintage tiara: Fox' n Lily

Don’t neglect your flower girl fashion!

Fashion Fever — Glamming Up Your Groom

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

Ciao brides to be! In this Fashion Fever post we’re heating things up and glamming out your groom’s style to look as hot as yours!  We know this is the day you’ve been dreaming about since you were 5 and your imagination has always had a guy in a great tux next to you.  This means his accessories should be nothing short of timeless.

Entirely Ties When choosing groom’s wear incorporate the theme of your wedding without making it too matchy-matchy.  For example if your wedding theme is Eggplant and Marigold (Check out Jennifer Crone’s How To – Eggplant & Marigold Blog) incorporate shades of Eggplant with your tie choices for the groomsmen but have your groom wear a white or ivory tie accented by a Eggplant Calla Lillie boutonniere.  Check out Nordstrom’s tie selection, or if your fiancé is looking to splurge on some groomsmen gifts try Dolce & Gabbana tie’s at the Forzieri Shoppe.

Top row left to right: D&G, D&G, Tiffany & Co. bottom row left to right: Salvatore Feragamo, D&G

Cufflinks worth Coveting Cufflinks can give any tuxedo an immediate personality. Cufflinks can be very decorative, traditional, and even humorous.  PR Girls recommend that the cufflink be photo worthy on your wedding day.  We’re hot for Tiffany & Co. cufflinks!  They might be slightly costly, but they’re classic and unforgettable.  If Tiffany isn’t your style try Etsy for more of a unique or funnky look.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes Choosing the perfect pair of shoes is a big part of the wedding process.  They need to be comfortable, dance worthy, and stylish.  Here’s and idea: give your hubby a gift on your wedding day – great shoes to complete his trendy look.  Salvatore Ferragamo’s shoe options have something for any groom! If looking to save check out Calvin Klein;  they have great looking shoes for great prices!

Remember you want to enhance your groom’s look not change it!  You’re marrying him and his style so just improve his boyish taste!

Fashion Fever – What to Wear to a Wedding?

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

“What should I wear? Will I be over dressed? Underdressed?” Do you feel these three questions come up every time a wedding invitation comes in the mail?  Do you stand in front of your closet with a blank stare when searching for an appropriate outfit to wear to the wedding? No worries girlfriends! This Fashion Fever will help you discover the perfect summer wedding wardrobe.

Cool Colors This summer we’re all about the cool color pallet.  Aim for shades that imitate sea blues or rainforest greens for a hot look.  If you go with cool colors choose cool fabrics.  During these warm summer months avoid anything too heavy. Try silks and chiffons for a breezy feel.

ALERT: PR Girls Picks! BCBG MAX AZRIA silk ombre one shoulder gown is the perfect combination of sea blues and elegance.   Pair this beautiful dress with frosty accessories like these Swarovski Dolce Pierced earrings and BCBG MAX AZARIA Mirna heels.

Cool Colors Dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA silk ombre one shoulder gown Shoes: BCBGMAXZARIA Mirna heels Earrings: Swarovski Dolce Pierced earrings Textures Dress:Milly Mini Empire Shift dress Shoes: beehive Enzo Angiolini Bagles: Nadri coutout flower hinge bangle Cream: Dress: Milly Clarette ruffle mini dress Shoes: Tahari Adele heels Clutch: Amanda Pearl Samantha clutch

Tantalizing Textures We’re hot for classic looks with embellished details.  You want the details to emphasize the beauty of the dress not drown the silhouette.  Stay cool with a mini or sleeveless.

ALERT: PR Girls Picks! Milly Mini Empire Shift dress is great look with embellished woven appliqué and unique straps.  Try a beehive Enzo Angiolini heel with a metallic Nadri coutout flower hinge bangle to complete the style.

Clean Creams As we know wearing white to a wedding is a faux pas NO NO!  But, with the hot summer sun and day weddings becoming more popular a light colored fabric seems like the flawless choice!  Pick creams and beiges to still reach a light color goal.

ALERT: PR Girls Picks! Milly Clarette ruffle mini dress is fab with silk fabric and the cut is timeless for any summer day wedding.  Pair this great dress with Tahari Adele heels and an Amanda Pearl Samantha clutch for a perfected look.

Look fabulous – while staying cool during this warm summer season!

Beauty Fever!

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

As we end Beauty Week at Private Receptions we would love to leave you with some tips that will make you look absolutely radiant on your wedding day!  Here are the PR Girls favorite product picks!

• DO choose mascara that will amplify your eyes! Try CoverGirl LashBlast Length Water Resistant Mascara
• DON’T pick non-waterproof mascara!  It’s very possible a tear or two might drop – no reason it should ruin your make up.

• 

  Make up: Vie

  DO try faux lashes for an enhanced dramatic look!  Check out Laura Mercier Full Faux Eyelashes

• DON’T choose eyelashes that match the theme of your wedding i.e. aqua shade or accented with glitter. Think 1981: do you want your photos to look like you got married in that year?

• DO use a gel or creamy blush for a non-cakey look. Take a crack at Smashbox O-Glow
• DON’T settle on a color that won’t define your bone structure.

• DO use NARS Sheer Glow Foundation to boost your wedding glow!
• DON’T apply any foundation that has SPF in it for your wedding day.  It will cast an ashen shade on your face when using flash photography. But every other day of the year? Sunscreen for you Missy!

• 

  Make Up: Chanel

  DO choose a lip stain that will give a pop factor on your wedding day! Lip colors by Chanel come in an array of shades.

• DON’T choose a color that will wash you out. There’s natural and then there’s blah.

• DO choose perfume that denotes your personal style! For a citrus scent try TOCCA Florence or for rose-orange blossom scent try BVLGARI Volle de Jasmin
• DON’T drown in your scent! A little dash will do ya! And me sure to choose a color that’s in line with the season. Don’t choose cinnamon spice for a spring wedding.

Enjoy the PR Girls Favorite picks!!

J. Crew Fall 2010 Collection

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

Fall is knocking on our doors ladies!  And there’s one only way to answer: to be in the know about J. Crew’s yet to be released luxurious Fall 2010 Bridal Collection. This collection is radiating a Fashion Fever!  The ingredients of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, veils, jewelry, clutches, and shoes create the recipe for the romantic fall collection.  It will arrive in 30 vibrant colors, featuring different shades of navy, plum, and mint.  The 6 varieties of fabrics are the perfect way to match all body types – J. Crew truly thought this collection through and ladies of all shapes and sizes can appreciate it.

Check out J. Crews Bridal Boutique on Madison Avenue, which freshly opened in May.   As I’ve been told by our J. Crew insiders, the Madison Ave Boutique currently has a few of the of the Fall Bridal Collection pieces for pre-sale and fittings—so get em’ while they’re hot!

J. Crew

I personally love the cotton silk faile dress in Vintage Wisteria (a shade of plum); it’s sweetheart cut and form-fitting silhouette is great for the petite body type.  Don’t overlook J. Crew’s silk taffeta dress with a ruffled collar and an empire waist in Violet Dust–the perfect fit for a curvy bridesmaid.  Short Torso? Don’t worry! J. Crew silk taffeta one shoulder dress in Matisse Blue will lengthen their look.

J. Crew’s Fall 2010 Bridal Collection is sure to strike any bride-to-be with a fashion fever!

Fashion Fever – Decked Out In Vintage

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

As we conclude vintage week at Private Receptions we would love to leave you with some great sites that offer estate, vintage, and antique jewelry that’s perfect for any bride-to-be with a fashion fever.  Fulfilling the ‘something old’ tradition may come across as routine or tedious, but if done right—it is nothing less than chic.  Incorporating vintage jewelry either with true mature age or vintage inspiration is a flawless way to achieve the idea of ‘something old’.

bracelet from Doyle & Doyle

The Way We Were features thousands of timeless antique jewelry pieces.  Their online store offers ‘something old’ pre-wedding day in the vein of engagement rings ranging in price of $475 to $4,000.  Their extensive collection of earrings, necklaces, and brooches can give any fashionista a hot flash without breaking the bank!

DOYLE & doyle Located in an intimate showroom on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, DOYLE & doyle collects unique estate pieces.  Their collection has countless designs of earrings, necklaces and pins from the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Nouveau periods. DOYLE & doyle’s bridal collection is showered in gold, pearls, and diamonds.

Cufflinks from EDM Designs

To spice up tradition try having someone else in your wedding wear ‘something old’. Have your groom wear antique inspired watch movement cuff links from EDM Designs on Etsy.  Another way to break the mold is giving your bridal party vintage inspired bracelets from Blueberry Manor, also on Etsy.  These handcrafted bracelets ranging in different color pallets of peach, aqua, and marigold will reach any bridesmaid’s taste.  Going vintage is an everlasting style, so incorporate  it on your wedding day and you’ll be sure to catch a fever!

Private Receptions New Office!

June 1st we moved to 230 Fifth Avenue and with wedding season in full swing, the office is finally coming together! Nerissa (on the left) and Elysha (on the right) are hard at work in the spacious new office. The comfy conference table is where we have our client meetings, daily status updates, and design brainstorms. Welcome to Private Receptions!

Michelle Roth and Henry Roth Fall Collection 2010!

Stiles on Style by Rachel Stiles

The Fall 2010 Collection of both Michelle Roth and Henry Roth was impeccable! The runway show took place at the prestigious Kleinfeld Bridal Salon located in Manhattan on Wednesday, April 14! I was able to go and watch the brother and sister duo rock the runway with their bridal collections!

Henry Roth Fall 2010

Henry Roth is well known for a funky and fabulous style of dresses and that definitely showed through his designs! A youthful piece that stood out was the style Zoe; a satin ball gown inspired by 50’s polka dots. Another dress I found unique was the style Gloria, a sweetheart neckline along with a jeweled waist and draping. Texture was really important in both lines and it came through with his style Drew, the silhouette was form fitting and had beautiful flower texture at the bottom of the gown!

Michelle Roth’s line was a bit more romantic and traditional but with a twist! You can really appreciate all of the details on her gowns. Styles Natalie and Natasha were very feminine with frills and draping that demanded attention.  I really loved both styles Nicole and Opera, they both looked very lightweight and comfortable to wear. Nicole had an amazing overlay and draping along with a corset back. Opera was for a standout bride with its princess-style silhouette and an added flair.

For all you fashionistas- these collections eluded confidence and sophistication. The designers both work directly with brides at Kleinfeld’s and enjoy seeing brides feel great in their gowns! Not only was I impressed with the gowns themselves; I also adored the veil choices for the runway. They added an extra amount of charm and can really make a bride go from “I like that style” to “I love that style!”