A Wedded Luxe Wedding Feature

I'm so happy to announce that Shirley & William's wedding was featured on Para ti Novia this week.  To see the full post please check out their blog here: http://paratinovia.com/real-wedding-shirley-william-in-nyc

Para to Novia is a great blog for the Latina bride.  Lots of inspiration and ideas on how to celebrate your culture with your wedding.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Photo Op!!

Sometimes I come across photos from wedding photographers and it leaves me speechless because it’s so gorgeous. I love this picture! The bride taking a moment to herself before she walk down the aisle. It’s so natural and not rehearsed.

This photo is courtesy of one of my favorite photographers Vanessa Joy.  Check out Vanessa's blog to see more great shots.
 
Happy Planning,


Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Wedding Etiquette - Wedding Favors

Staying on topic of favors, I thought I’d address a common question I get asked by couples all the time; how many favors should I order or how do we give them to our guests. This all depends on the favor you give and here is how to make the decision.  By the way, that's a favor display at a Wedded Luxe past wedding.  The favors doubled as escort cards.  When it comes to favors, presentation goes a long way!


1) If it’s edible, you should give one to each guests. You can’t expect a couple to share a slice of cake.

2) If it’s a souvenir or some kind of keepsake, you should give one per household or per couple.  If the couple doesn't live together, be sure to give each their own.

3) If you are giving a favor that will double as a escort card then you should give one per household or per couple. An easy rule of thumb is it should be given the same way you address your invitations.

You see, it's that simple.  I hope this helps those faced with the challenge of purchasing favors for their upcoming wedding.

Happy Planning,


Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Fall Wedding Favors - Apple Season

Fall in NYC means apple season which means apple picking which means lots of apple treats.  If you are looking for a wedding favor for your fall wedding, an apple treat will be a great way to incorporate the fall  season into your wedding.  My two favorite are apple treats are apple pies and candied apples.  You can’t go wrong with either!!

Individual candies apples with personalized wrapping to match your wedding

Mini apple pies with your monogram placed in an old fashion bakers box.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

The Wedding Budget

I recently met one of the sweetest brides ever! She had a lot of great ideas for her wedding but there was one problem, the BUDGET. I’m very budget conscience when it comes to planning a wedding. I’m a drill sergeant to my clients on this topic because before you know it, you have blown the budget due to bad choices. With this bride, she started planning her wedding and she did a lot of research. When it came to the budget she totally ignored the advice she found online. In particular she used one of my favorite tools,        the budget estimator. The budget estimator gives you an estimate based on where you live and the type of wedding you want which they decipher by asking you a series of questions. For the wedding she wants, the estimator told her she would spend anywhere between 37,000 to 67,000. She didn’t believe it even after I told her that estimate is pretty accurate. Don’t get me wrong, there are ways to save but you have to know how to use your funds and here’s how:


1) Determine a budget. I can’t stress this enough, you must set a budget before you start planning. If you go in blindly, you risk the chance of spending way more than you ever intended to spend. Talk about it with your fiancée and anyone who is financially contributing to your wedding.

2) Use a budget estimator or something like it to help you allocate your funds. These are just estimates but be clear you will spend 45% -50% of your budget on the reception. The other categories like photography, décor, etc you can prioritize and decide where you want to spend more or less.

3) Hire a wedding planner!! I know what you are thinking, “I’m spending more money not saving”. That’s an incorrect statement. Hiring a planner will help you find the right vendors that fit within your budget. Also a planner will help you allocate your funds and use them wisely.

These three tips will help you save in the long run.   Before you start planning, commit to any vendors or a venue, you should follow these three tips.  Your wedding may cost more than you think it will cost so before you go out there, take my advice.   Here's some more budget tips from a previous posting.  http://weddedluxe.blogspot.com/2008/12/ask-planner.html
 
Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Infusing Your Culture Through….. Cocktails

Signature drinks are becoming a staple at weddings these days.  This is an idea I love and highly encourage couples to serve to one or three at their wedding.  Take this trend and celebrate your culture by serving a customary cocktail.  Today’s cocktail is Lassi. 

Lassi is a popular and traditional Punjabi yogurt-based drink of India and Pakistan. It is made by blending yogurt with water or milk and Indian spices. Traditional lassi is sometimes flavored with ground roasted cumin. Sweet lassi, blended with sugar or fruits instead of spices, is also very popular.  The picture below is a mango infused Lassi.  Thank you Wikipedia!

Photo Credits: IndianWeddingSite.com

Happy Planning,


Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Simple Grace – Inspiration Board

Lately I’ve been really into old things, well vintage things. I was looking through old family photos and it seems liked my grandparents put on their Sunday best every day of the week to do just about anything. We don’t dress up anymore or make anything a big deal, except weddings, this may be why I love weddings so much. Everyone dresses up and it’s a really BIG deal. This inspired an inspiration board which I like to call “Simple Grace”.  Inspired by vintage and the simple elegance of a different time.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Jewish Wedding Traditions

I was raised Catholic but I must admit the Jewish wedding ceremony is one of my favorites. I love that the bride and groom are escorted down the aisle by their parents. I think the groom’s parents are also giving away their child and it should be honored just as the bride. But my favorite aspect of a Jewish ceremony is chuppah, symbolizing God’s presence, shelter and protection. Before I knew what the chuppah represented, I fell in love with the design of it. Chuppah can range from simple to over the top glamorous. Customize it to fit within your wedding color pallette, keep traditional or personal.  Here are a couple I love!!

Elegance & Lush 

Feminie and Opulent

Traditional & Organic

Traditional & Elegant

Colorful & Bold

Tropical & Modern

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713