Category Archives: Planning

Personalized Bridesmaids Gifts From The Bride

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Alison in Featured, Planning

If you’re looking for a way to thank your bridesmaids for being your support system, make it personal. A heartfelt thank you note with some touching words is a great way to tell your friends how you feel for them to keep forever. You can even get crafty and do some DIY card-making which is a fun and creative way to put thoughts on paper. Words about your friendship, its history, its future and what it means to you during your special time will surely be treasured. And it’ll feel good for you, too, as you express yourself!

If you want to complement your note with a tangible keepsake, then the task is super easy: Visit one of my favorite go-to handmade, small business gift shops, Sima Gilady Jewelry. Sima is a wife, mother and artist and finds inspiration for her unique jewelry from her travels, her family, and the beauty found in nature. Sima’s lifelong passion for art and jewelry are equally matched by her love for all things hand-made. She loves to help her clients create a one-of-a-kind things – like gifts for the coffee connoisseur, for jewelry lovers, for handmade goods fans etc., surprise a loved one with a totally unique piece of cloth, or help people express their unique points of view through custom design.

Sima is dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind pieces using the highest quality materials and highlest level of craftsmanship harnessed over years at work in her studio. All Sima Gilady Jewelry is made with love, so it seems like a no brainer that her store is your one-stop-shop for personalized gifts.

Your girls can wear it on the wedding day or save it for after, but the options are really endless when you design your pieces with Sima.

Want some suggestions and ideas?

The One Wish One Disc necklace is a sterling silver hammered 3/4″ disc on a chain. You can get one for each bridesmaid and personalize it with each girl’s name. Our favorite TV gal pal, Carrie Bradshaw, wore a “Carrie” necklace that was a salute to vintage nameplates from the 70s. This is an updated version that combines trendy textiles and timeless personalization. If worn down the aisle, it’s a nice way to tie in a single look, but each one is actually unique because it’s personalized for each bridesmaid.

The e.e. cummings quote “I carry your heart with me” can be applied, literally, to this necklace of the same name. I love that it’s in a heart shape because it stands for the fact that the necklace was gifted for a wedding and the relationship beween friends or sisters or cousins or whoever the special girls are who stand by your side. It’s a nice little reminder that even when you’re an old married hag, friendships are still important. Personalize the necklace with a unique gem for each girl. Think about each bridesmaid’s birth stone or favorite color and go from there.

Just go simple with an initial for each girl’s name! A charm with a stamped letter can be worn with anything and doubled up for additional accessorizing on other chains. Sima has paired an initial with a quote, but it can stand alone for the wedding day or you can chose an extra disc for personalization. It’s a trendy look that is still formal enough for a wedding because of the quality of Sima’s materials and work, but casual enough to be worn for every day looks once the wedding day is over. Also, if a bridesmaid has children of her own, you could always add on to her necklace for her birthday or Hanukkah with the initials of her kids to complete a legacy necklace. It can be a gift that keeps on giving that all started with your wedding day. Or, make it schnazzy and tell Sima to string on a gem! Bam. Instant color.

These are just ideas based on what Sima offers on her site. The possibilities are endless, though, as she will work with you to create the perfect piece that you’ll be so excited to give your girls! With the best customer service and the peace of mind that your business is going to someone who cares and creates her own products, you will be satisfied with your choices. And the presentation is cute, too! Sima completes her boutique items from start to finish so you can expect a nicely wrapped piece that makes gift-giving high end.

And if you are struggling with ideas for your shower hostesses, mothers of the bride and groom, ketubah signers, or even your groom (yes, there’s man jewelry, too!), Sima will create something that’s just right for your wedding VIPs.

With all of your attention to detail over wedding plans, here’s one more element to enjoy as you complete your perfect day.

From the Expert: Honeymooning In Israel

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Alison in From the Expert, Planning

Today, writer Marglit Silver shares her knowledge about a perfect destination that couples may want to consider after enjoying the wedding of their dreams: Israel! Named after her Israeli aunt, Margalit has always maintained strong emotional ties to Israel; first travelling there when she was fifteen-years-old, she had enjoyed touring sites the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock and Tombs of the Patriarch, but had also been amazed by the land’s rich beauty and lively, youthful culture. When she married newly-converted Tim 2008, she was ecstatic to take him on his first trip to the Holy Land during their honeymoon; what awaited them was an experience so amazing that they’re returning for their five-year anniversary in June, 2013.

There’s no doubt about it, Israel is fantastic for honeymooning couples. Yes, it is the Holy Land, but this isn’t news to you. However, you might be surprised by some of the other reasons Israel is a prime spot for romance. Multi-faceted culture, rich cuisine, beautiful natural surroundings, thrilling nightlife.. the region truly has it all!

Geographic Diversity
Though this country is only slightly larger than the state of New Jersey, it offers unbelievable environmental diversity. Snorkle in the laidback resort towns of Eilat and Ashod; float hand-in-hand on the waters of the salty Dead Sea; surf the waves of the beautiful Mediterranean; explore the breathtaking stretches of Negev Desert; hike the picturesque Mount Caramel; climb deep into the whimsical Red Canyon; and discover the country’s forty national parks. Additionally, there are plenty of local organizations that provide thrilling activities like archery, horseback riding, SCUBA diving, rock climbing, and even taking hot air balloon rides. Couples will find plenty of opportunities to get their hearts racing with excitement as well as stunning backdrops that are perfect for romantic kisses and memorable photographs. Plus, the country’s many offerings are all within driving distance of one another! For those vacationers who prefer public transportation, the generous network of trains is an easy alternative.

History and Culture
Many of Israel’s iconic historic destinations (The Western Wall, Rabin Square, the Port of Old Jaffa, Dome of the Rock, and Nazareth) date back thousands of years. However, Israel’s culture is hardly archaic. The country’s many art galleries feature modern pieces that reflect an ample assortment of experimental styles, and the world renowned The Israel Museum perfectly exemplifies the country’s harmonious blend of the ancient and contemporary. Also illustrating this reverence for their heritage and desire for reinvention is the country’s live music scene. There are a multitude of Israeli music festivals held year-round that celebrate the country’s individuality and its many influences. Honeymooners will also relish in the many shopping opportunities as they meander through the many lively markets to find homemade goods or pluck chic fashion straight from the runways.

Thrilling Nightlife
Jerusalem might be where the country goes to pray, but Tel Aviv is where the people go to party! Called “The City That Never Stops,” Tel Aviv’s nightclubs rarely open until past ten or eleven each night and often stay open well past sunrise. DJs travel internationally to spin at the city’s top venues, playing electronic, house, hip-hop, rock and more. This is the perfect locale for couples who want a night of festivities and seductive dancing to truly let loose after their elegant reception. Tel Aviv is lauded for its open-mindedness and is becoming a top hot spot for LGBT travelers and same-sex honeymooners. For newlyweds who aren’t looking to party from dusk to dawn, there are plenty of mellower alternatives. Israel is famous for its cozy hookah bars and intimate cafes that allow for pleasurable people watching and the chance to savor local flavors.

Incredible Food
The region’s cuisine is flavorful and much healthier than the average American diet, so brides can eat what they want and still look fantastic in their bikinis. Staples of the Israeli’s diet include falafel, hummus, and couscous as well as some of the finest, locally-grown citrus fruits you will ever taste. Couples will undoubtedly want to try the refreshing mint tea, the fresh olives and the delicious baklava sweetened with honey, as well as toast their love with some of the finest local wines in the world! However, the local cuisine continues to evolve as it increasingly incorporates international customs. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv feature some of the finest restaurants in Asia, offering worldly dishes like sushi, French delicacies, and plenty more.

Israel is an epicenter of beauty and culture. With many residents being only second or third generation citizens, international customs thrive and blend to form a youthful, forward-thinking society that pays respectful homage to the rich religious heritage in their backyard. For couples that want to honeymoon in a land of natural wonder, awe-inspiring history, youthful energy and artistic thrill, Israel is the perfect honeymoon destination.

From the Expert: What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Planner and a Catering Manager?

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Alison in Featured, Planning

Today, a real wedding expert is here to explain the difference between a Catering Manager at your venue and a Wedding Planner that you hire separately. So often, their jobs and duties get mixed up, but the owner of By Kerri Hatter has the scoop to make it easy to understand. Take it away, Kerri!

So often, we are told by brides that they don’t think they need our services because their
venue provides a coordinator. While that is true (the venue does provide a coordinator), the
responsibilities of a venue or catering manager are very different from a professional Wedding
Planner. Below are things you can expect from each one:

Catering Manager
The Catering Manager is your main contact, and usually your first through a tour, at the venue.
They are responsible for the sales of events. Once you have decided on their venue, they
produce your contract involving all the terms and financial commitments to the resort as well as
balancing out your final bill following your special day.

Your Catering Manager will host a menu tasting, assist you with food and beverage selections,
and educate you on how to reach the minimums required per your contract. They develop your
BEO (Banquet Event Order), which outlines your menu, rentals and anything else the venue
will be providing. They are also responsible for making sure that the Banquet Manager, who
manages all of the food & beverage and staff at the reception, is aware of all of your requests
regarding any venue service.

Catering Managers are responsible for the set up of all hotel related items on the day of the
event. Then they will oversee the ceremony and reception set ups to make sure all venue
contracted items are being delivered as promised.

At hotels, your Catering Manager introduces you to the reservations manager if you need
to book room blocks and oversees the details of the bride and grooms suite the night of the
wedding.

Finally, as the Catering Manager is in charge of the responsibilities solely related to the venue,
they can work closely with a professional Wedding Planner to ensure a successful event.

Wedding Planner
The Wedding Planner is responsible for coordinating and executing all of the wedding elements
not involving the venue and serves as an advisor/educator and mediator throughout the
planning. As an expert in the wedding industry, the Planner helps with etiquette specifically
related to weddings. He or she handles all of the time-consuming details and communication
involved with planning the wedding. The Wedding Planner is also the biggest resource because
they have many contacts in the industry and will be able to match each client with the right
professionals. Some services provided by Wedding Planners are:

Acts as a liaison between family, bridal party, the vendors, and the venue staff leading up
to and on the day of the wedding
Attends the final meeting with the Catering Manager at the venue
Coordinates with the Catering Manager on the BEOs
Develops a timeline for the entire wedding day
Confirms all vendors and coordinates timelines and details with them to ensure all
parties know what to expect on the wedding day
Conducts the rehearsal and reviews the itinerary with all family and bridal party
Sets up all wedding elements – guest books, place cards, favors, programs, table
numbers, and any other items the bride and groom want displayed
Double checks all venue set ups to make sure they coordinate with the BEOs (seating
charts, napkin folds, ceremony set up, linen colors, etc.)
Coordinates timing of ceremony and reception including grand entrances, first dances,
speeches, and cake cutting
Collects all gifts and décor, and delivers to the appropriate location at the end of the
night

Kerri advises a bride and groom about the cake cutting.

Kerri gives a push down the aisle to a young member of the wedding party.

Here is a great real situation from a recent wedding differentiating the two roles:
About 2 hours before the ceremony, I received a frantic call that the groom’s dad did not have
his tie for the wedding. He thought the hotel maids might have cleaned up the room and
thrown it away by accident! The Catering Manager has to stay on property at all times, so I sent
one of my assistants to the closest tie shop to buy a tie as close to the color of the rest of the
groomsmen. Crisis averted!

**************

Kerri started her career in event planning over 20 years ago, but found her true passion for planning when she got married in 2004. Having been a bride herself, she understands everything the bride and groom are feeling and knows how difficult it can be to handle all the details and keep everyone happy at the same time! Kerri’s easy going personality immediately puts her clients at east and her almost obsession with organization keeps them on track. Her innovative thinking and passion to help everyone she meets prompted Kerri to create The Wedding Workshop.

Sponsored Post: Blow Out Salons For The Win

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Alison in Inside Scoop, Planning, Sponsored Post

I have to admit, I’m a big sucker for a good blow out. My hair, like many of my Jewish sisters, is curly and sometimes unruly, and after having a baby, Mother Nature has also left it a bit thinner. So, needless to say, when I have the opportunity to have it professionally blown out and styled, I am quick to jump into a swivel chair and let the round brush do its magic… by someone else.

Blow dry salons are popping up all over, and I’m a fan of this trend. Sometimes you just want to go in for a quickie, and you don’t want the stress of contemplating a cut and color as well. There’s something special and luxurious about going to the salon just for a blow out; you feel like you’re a celeb and there should be paparazzi outside the on the sidewalk, waiting to snap your picture as you, of course, head over to Kitson to go shopping with Katie and Suri. But that’s not the case. You’re just a nice Jewish girl who wants good hair. These blow dry salons make you feel magical, though, that’s for sure.

So when I was invited to Blow Angels in Los Angeles, I was all too excited to feel celeb-ish and get pretty hair for the upcoming weekend.

I didn’t let the sparse parking stress me out, since I knew that pampering was minutes away. Walking in and admiring the super chic turquoise aesthetics of the salon, I knew I was in for a good experience. I waited a little bit for my stylist due to a scheduling mishap, but I knew good things were in store thanks to classy touches like a canister of water with submerged mint leaves (very hospitable) and photo books of styles and ideas with angelic themes like Heaven and Halo.

blow-out-bars

When it was my turn to sit my tushie in the stylist’s chair, we discussed my current hair status (limp curls that lacked volume) and what I wanted to see on my head when she was done with me (fullness and curled ends to mask the fact that I actually needed a haircut). After our consult, I was escorted to the shampoo area in the back and the stylist did a great job cleaning and massaging my scalp. The awkward parts about the shampoo anywhere I go: It’s sooooo relaxing, but do I close my eyes? That’s so creepy. Also, stylists converse but I can’t hear anything because there is water sloshing around my ears. These are awkward moments between a client and a hair stylist. I think we should start a no-talking rule during shampoos, not because I’m unfriendly (I’m not), but because how many times can I say “I’m sorry, what” without wanting to drown myself in the hair washing sink? It would save me a lot of anxiety about social graces. Who’s with me?

That said, the shampoo was good. And it was onto the blow out.

My stylist did a fine job of controlling my hair. She wasn’t too hard on my scalp (though, as a curly haired gal, I can take heavy-handed styling and pulling), but I still felt like she was doing a thorough job. The products made my hair smell good and she didn’t try to sell me on them. It’s not that they’re not good products, but I already have enough trialed-and-sometimes-errored serums and gels and mousses and sprays and spritzes taking up precious cabinet space in my bathroom at home. I don’t appreciate when stylists sell while I’m in the chair, and I’m thankful this was not the case while I was at Blow Angels.

At the end, my stylist handed me a mirror so she could blueprint her steps and final masterpiece, and I was pretty pleased with how my hair turned out. The style was a little more fluffy than I imagined, but I knew it would deflate to a more reasonable height and width as the day went on.

The friendly staff sent me on my way and I was back on the road (though in traffic — thanks, 405!) and onto my evening’s plans.

I think visiting Blow Angels, and blow out salons in general, is a reasonably priced and convenient luxury for special occasions. At $29 per blow out, it’s something you could do every week if your budget allows for it. Otherwise, it’s extremely reasonable for special occasions like showers and bachelorette parties. I know many brides set up events for their bridal party on the day of the wedding, and as long as you make reservations in advance and time it properly, Blow Angels will accommodate you and your girls at the salon to give you a personal experience with great service. They can also give you some extra pampering with deep conditioning treatments ($15) or scalp massages ($9) for a few extra bucks.

There are makeup services that I didn’t patronize, but with prices at $30 per application, this could be an easy and low-cost fix to a face that needs a little sprucing. It’s more or less what you might pay at the mall makeup counter when you purchase product, so in theory, you could walk out of Blow Angels with hair and makeup complete at under $100.

I would recommend Blow Angels for Angelenos who are looking for a non-chain blow dry salon experience. I’ve been to other salons that are just for blow outs, and I think Blow Angels is pretty comparable. Perhaps Blow Angels lacks a little sophistication and chic-chic style when compared to its competition salons, and that’s only because Blow Angels also hosts a boutique and items for sale at the counter which clutter the salon’s ambiance some, but this is not a factor that makes the blow out experience anything less than enjoyable. The overall decor and touches themselves, though, are very pleasing.

For bridal or day-to-day stylist, check out Blow Angels. It’ll feel heavenly to have perfectly styled hair.

Blow Angels is at 11659 Santa Monica Boulevard Los Angeles, California and is also on Facebook.

Custom Color Your Ketubah

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Alison in Featured, Jewish Traditions, Planning

Has this happened to you? You find a ketubah that you both agree on, the wording meets your marriage ideals, the price is right, you know exactly where you want to hang it and… oh wait. The colors don’t match the room.

Womp womp womp.

Buzzkill ketubahs are everywhere. And it’s no surprise. With ketubah art being such a personal thing, it’s not a shocker that your choices are narrow when you look at all the specs. So many ketubah shops and independent artists offer a wide variety of ketubah pieces, but once you consider the style of art, your choices get smaller. Then your price range. Slimmer options. Then your ability to customize your text or not. Narrow. And what you’re left with is a handful of “well, we don’t hate ’em” ketubah possibilities. And of those, what if the colors are not your cup of tea?

More and more ketubah art is becoming customizable and I think that’s great. Here’s something so personal and so unique to a couple’s marriage, they should have the ability to be tailored for the newlyweds.

I’m currently loving New World Ketubah by Rachel Deitsch‘s custom concept that stays true to her own artistic style, while accommodating her couples’ wall paint or furniture. Or, even, just taste.

The piece itself is called “Branches” and it’s the perfect blend of modern and traditional. With clean and simple detail, and without blatant Jewish symbols or landscapes, this ketubah could fit the style range of an interfaith couple to a super traditional couple.

Consequently, the simplicity lends itself to all kinds of color combinations so the couple can really direct the mood of the artwork. When it comes to choosing a color, deciding what sort of “mood” you’d like to express should come first. Do you want to reflect the season the wedding takes place, for instance, or a time of year that is special to you as a couple?

The best bet for color-matching would be getting the PMS Process Color (CMYK) formula from your invitation printer if you are trying to match the invitations. Be aware that color can shift from printer to printer and even from paper to paper, but Pantone colors are the best way to get your closest match. You can also send a paint chip, matte finish. Once the two color formulas are in place, Rachel will email you an image before printing.

There are a lot of ways to play with this, so be open minded! For example, Rachel personally likes a seasonal reference, so her initial collection of four color themes are nods to winter (gray and a pop of red), summer (sky blue) spring (lavender) and fall (orangey yellow). The best part is that there’s no wrong answer and the fun is seeing what couples can come up with!

Unlike other custom ketubah collaborations, Rachel’s is currently no extra cost. It’s just the price of the ketubah. Save your gelt for Chanukah, friends!

Oh, and P.S., Rachel also creates invitations! The fun just never ends!

Follow New World Ketubah on Facebook to keep up with the news and updates!

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