How to Incorporate Your Culture at Your Bridal Shower

Having a themed bridal shower is always fun.  To make the most of your bridal shower theme, use this pre-wedding event to Celebrate Your Culture.  This is also a good way to incorporate your fiancée’s culture as well if it happens to be different from yours. 

• Serve traditional foods from your culture, your fiance's culture or you can have a mix of both.  Place cute signs next to each item so your guests that don’t know what the special dish is can get familiar.   As a favor, you can give the recipes to your family’s traditional cuisines that were served.

Mexican Themed Cookies

• Have your guests dress the part by wearing traditional clothing from your culture.  Have small accessories ready for your guests to play a little dress up when they arrive. You can take it a step further and actually show them how traditional garments should be worn. 

Your Guests can dress up in traditional clothing.  

• Many cultures don’t traditionally have bridal showers but they do have pre-wedding events.  Instead of having a “bridal shower”, host one of your pre-wedding events that everyone can enjoy.

Fun temporary henna tattoos

• Show your guests fun activities from your culture that are interactive and a learning experience for those that are not familiar with it.  This can take the place of traditional bridal shower games.

Do you need some help Celebrating Your Culture? Send me an  at DJoseph@weddedluxe.com  and I will help you with some creative tips!!

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha  Joseph

Wedded Luxe

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DJoseph@weddedluxe.com

www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

What's the Right Way To Ask Your Girls to be Your Bridesmaid

So you are ready to select your bridesmaids and this can be an easy choice as to who it should be. These are women that know and love and they are so excited you are getting married.  Of course they will happily accept your invitation.   However did you stop and think about all the details?  Do you know how much it will cost to be a bridesmaid?  What you want them to be responsible for?  Are they paying for their own hair and makeup? Do you want them to plan your bridal shower? Before your bridesmaids say yes to you they should know exactly what they are saying yes to.  Giving your bridesmaids all the information up front will save you and your bridesmaids’ headaches, aggravation, and sticker shock later down the line.  Here’s what they should know:

1) The Dress

The dress will be the most expensive purchase your bridesmaids make.  You should start a preliminary dress search to see which styles and designers you may like.  Once you made a few choices, see what price range they fall in.  This ball park figure will be helpful especially if the dress you love is on the pricey side. 

2    2) The Accessories

Not only do your bridesmaids’ need dresses but they will need shoes and jewelry usually the bridesmaids are responsible for paying for their own shoes.  If you are picking the shoes and you want them to wear the same shoe, pick a price point and let your bridesmaids know which direction you are leaning towards.  If they can buy their own shoe, just give them the criteria and this way the budget is their choice.  Many brides gift the wedding day jewelry to their bridesmaids as a thank you for being a part of their wedding party.  If you are not taking this route, you should let them know in advance.

      3) Hair and Makeup

This is always a touchy subject for brides.  The expense of wedding day hair and makeup onsite can start about $75.00 per bridesmaid.  If you have a large bridal party, this can get costly.  If you can’t afford to pay for the complete package, you may want to consider paying for half or just the makeup portion.  More than likely, your bridesmaids already have a trusted hair stylist and they won’t let anyone else touch their hair not even for your wedding. 

      4) Pre Wedding Activities

These days’ brides are having bridal showers, bachelorette parties and sometimes bachelorette getaways.  Traditionally, the bridal shower should be thrown by the maid of honor and the bridesmaids.  The bachelorette party or getaway is paid for by your bridal party and they may cover your expenses as well. 

Once you have a general idea of what you want for all four of these items, you should be prepared to let your tentative bridesmaids know shortly after you ask them to be a part of your bridal party.  You should also be considerate of everyone’s financial situation.  These are your friends and family; for the most part you know what’s going on in their lives and what they can afford.  You should not have to give up you anything you want but be prepared to cover some the expense in order to have it.  You may want to give your friends a chance to opt out of being a bridesmaid.  This may save you from uncomfortable conversations and will also save your friendships.  Your friends want to be a part of your wedding and they may feel pressured into doing so even if they can’t afford it.  Take the pressure off and give them a chance to decline the invitation to be a bridesmaids but I’m sure they will gladly be a guest at your wedding. 

TIP: Start a wedding club.  This is the same concept of as a Christmas club but it is for the wedding expenses.  Put your maid of honor in charge and everyone can put in a small amount once a week or whatever works best.  For example, if all the expenses will total $1,000.00 divide this by 36 weeks and that’s about $27.00 a week.  That’s much easier to swallow than a couple of $100.00 here or there. 

Do you have a bridal party dilemma you need help solving?  Send me your question at DJoseph@weddedluxe.com  and I will help you  and your bridesmaids come to a resolution! 

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha  Joseph

Wedded Luxe

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DJoseph@weddedluxe.com

www.weddedluxe.com

718.938.4713

Want to Attend a Bridal Show in New York City?

I will be attending the Great BridalExtravaganza on June 11, 2012 at the 3 West Club!! Now this will not be just me standing at my booth handing you my business card. I will be hosting a Q & A panel to answer all your wedding planning questions and giving you solutions to your wedding planning dilemmas.  There is no question of limits so come ready to get your questions answered.  

I am also giving a way my latest floral bouquet design to one lucky bride and trust me you are going to want this bouquet for your wedding.  Register to get your tickets and you will automatically be entered to win a 8 day 7 night vacation to the Caribbean!! So get ready to a fun night out and get all the wedding planning information you need to plan your special day.  

Feeling shy? Just send me your question at info@weddedluxe.com and I will answer it anonymously at during the panel! 

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha  Joseph

Wedded Luxe

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DJoseph@weddedluxe.com

www.weddedluxe.com

718.938.4713

How To Plan A New Year's Eve Wedding

Summer is just around the corner but we are a little over 6 months away from New Year's Eve.  In real life this means nothing other than you have 6 more months to work on that resolution you made.  In the wedding world, this means you need to move fast to start or finish up your wedding plans on the biggest night of the year.  To successfully pull of a New Year's Eve Wedding here are some helpful wedding planning tips to help you out.














1) Send Save The Dates - It doesn't matter what day of the week New Year's Eve is, you must send your guests save the dates because people always make plans.  Even if those plans mean staying in, people usually have a tradition or some kind of ritual on how they bring in the New Year so give them at least 6 months heads up that this year you would like them to spend their New Year with you.






2) Book Your Vendors ASAP - New Years Eve is a very popular day to get married. There are 52 Saturday nights but there is only one New Year's Eve.  Your favorite venue may be taken before you know it. Your vendors may also book fast or  they may not even work on New Year's Eve. You want to know as early as possible what your options are so look fast and book as soon as you find the right vendors for you.






3) Increase Your Budget - Plan to spend a little more than you expected for a New Year's Eve Wedding.  Many venues and vendors charge a little more for holiday weddings.  You are probably thinking why but think of them just like other employees.  Most people

that work on a holiday will get paid time and half, it's the same concept. 






4) Ceremony Location - Your ceremony will probably not be able to happen in your house of worship.  There are usually special services to bring in the New Year.  So if this is an important factor for you may want to reconsider having a New Year's Eve
Wedding. Find out if they are willing to perform your ceremony earlier in the day before the New Year's Eve services begin.  I highly suggest having your ceremony in the same location as your reception.  This will avoid you and your guests getting stuck in traffic.  Choose an officiant early to guarantee availability.  





5) Make It Worth Wild - You don't want to invite your guests to just another wedding.  You want to make it worth ditching their usually New Year's Eve plans.  Make the night full of unexpected surprises and like no other wedding they have ever been to.  Make your menu interesting, have band and a DJ or give them a view of the fireworks they never get to see.  Whatever it is, you want to make it memorable.  





 
Bonus!
Now if you are getting married New Year's Eve 2012 I hope you have

already done the first 3 tips.  There is still time for tip number 4.  If you are getting married New Year's Eve 2013, then now is a good time to start planning because it falls on a Thursday and Thursdays are now becoming a very popular day to get married





Do you need tips on how to wow your wedding guests for your New Year's Eve wedding? Send me an email at
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com  and I will help you get started.














Live.Laugh.Love…..Luxuriate!









Deniesha  Joseph


Wedded Luxe


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DJoseph@weddedluxe.com


www.weddedluxe.com

718.938.4713




Celebrate Your Culture - How To Hire The Right Wedding DJ

Have you ever been to a wedding and the DJ played the one or two cliche songs that are suppose to represent your culture that everyone in your family hates because it's cliche to play that song? We've all been there at some point.  The DJ that promised to cater to all types of music really only knows the songs they hear on the radio. They don't really know the music that your family and friends know and love.  I never hire DJ's that cannot name their specialty.  I'm sorry but everyone has one and they should know what it is.  I have a specialty. I plan and design weddings for couples that wish to celebrate their culture and their personal style as well.  Yes, there are DJ's that know all types of music and have a great selection but that doesn't mean they are the expert wedding DJ for your culture.

You want to hire the expert wedding DJ.  Choosing the right DJ that will properly represent your culture can be tricky.  Most DJ's say they can play anything and if you have any songs you want to hear at your wedding you can simply give them the list and they will make it happen.  Well that's not what you want for your wedding.  You want a DJ that is familiar with your culture's style of music, knows which songs are a hit and can execute with out a hitch.  The DJ that will make this happen is the DJ that specializes in the genre of music you are looking for as well as know the top 40 hits that everyone loves.  How do you find the perfect DJ? Here are three tips:

DJ Kaos - Great club DJ and Weddings!! Check him out! 

1) The DJ at your favorite bar or night club probably DJ's weddings as well.  Don't hesitate to ask them for their contact information and reach out to them.  Just make sure they have wedding experience as well.


2) If you had really good time at your friend's or family's wedding, ask them for a referral.  Previous brides are usually a good source for vendors. 


3) Most vendors advertise in their niche market.  Check blogs, online resources and magazines that cater to you culture for the DJ or entertainment companies that advertise there. 

Do you need help on how to hire the best vendors for to fit your wedding?  Send me an email at DJoseph@weddedluxe.com  and I will give you some tips!!

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha  Joseph

Wedded Luxe

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DJoseph@weddedluxe.com

www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

The Bridal Party Gift

One question that comes up with all my clients is the bridal party gifts. This seems to puzzle couples all the time and I think it is because the word “wedding" is attached to it. It makes couples confused for some reason, but I say take the wedding or bridal party out of it and think of a gift your friends and/or family would appreciate.  For example, if you were buying grab bag gifts for everyone in your bridal party, what would you get them?  Take that approach and see what you come up with.

Photo Credit: Essence Bridal Bliss

Here are some gifts I think will make your bridal party very happy!! 

Everyone loves to smell good, why not get them a bottle of perfume or cologne.

I think everyone has an iPod or some kind of apple gadget.  An iTunes gift card will come in handy for everyone.

Share your favorite restaurant with your friends with a gift card they can use to relax and relive some funny wedding planning stories once the wedding planning is over.

Going to the movies has become a costly night out, help your friends out with movie tickets.

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha  Joseph

Wedded Luxe

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DJoseph@weddedluxe.com

www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

How To Hire A Wedding Planner

Many brides want a wedding planner but not sure how to find one, where to find one and when they finally do find one, they are not sure what they are paying for. To help those brides out there who want and/or need a wedding planner, I'm going to give you some pointers on how to choose the right wedding planner and when you do how to choose the right service.  

  

Once you have done your research and you found some wedding planners that you like, make an appointment for a consultation. This is free of charge so it doesn't hurt to meet them. Take your ideas, inspiration and questions with you. The most important thing you are looking for is chemistry. You will be working with your wedding planner more than any of your other vendors. You'll call on them for advice, just to talk and there will be lots of meetings together. You want to make sure you have a connection. Second, you want to get to know their wedding style. A good planner can plan any wedding but it is not just any wedding, it is your wedding. Your wedding has a personality of its own. Your planner's wedding personality should mesh with your wedding's personality.

So you met a wedding planner and you love them. You are ready to sign on the dotted line but first you have to pick which service works best for you. Most planners have three standard packages to choose from; full planning, partial planning or day of coordination. Your trusted planner can guide you on which one is best for you. They are not out to make you book their most expensive package. They want to do what makes sense for your planning needs. Also they will take your budget into account. If you want to go in armed with information, let me help you.

  

Full service - if you are in the beginning phase of wedding planning, have a busy home life, not really into planning  or don't even know where to start then this is your package .  Hire a wedding planner from the very beginning will be very helpful. This will save your sanity and save you from costly wedding planning mistakes.

Partial planning - if you enjoy doing the leg work and research, or you have done a lot of the planning yourself already, this is the package for you. A wedding planner can give you guidance and advice to help you make the right choices during the planning process.  Having a professional to call on will help you avoid wedding planning mistakes that you can't fix the day of your wedding.

 

Day of coordination - if all your plans are made but you don't want to worry on the day of your wedding this is the package for you. Now DOC is not literal, your wedding planner will come on board at least eight weeks before your wedding to help you tie up loose ends. This will be your chance to take off your planner hat and be a bride! If you are puzzled as to why this service may cost more than you anticipated, read this article on The Wedding Jeannie Blog explaing what DOC really is.       

I hope this was helpful to all the brides out there trying to decide if they need a wedding planner.  I am not posting this so you can hire me, I'm doing what I do best and helping couples plan their wedding any way I can. My professional advice of course is to hire a planner! The more professional help you have, the more enjoyable the planning process will be for you. I would love to help every couple plan their wedding and if you think I'm the wedding planner for you, feel free to give me a call so we can have our free consultation!!

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha  Joseph

Wedded Luxe

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DJoseph@weddedluxe.com

www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

The Wedding Budget

Today I wanted to talk about the wedding budget. I have no savvy advice on how to save a couple of dollars, just my perspective on this topic. I’m really speaking to the couples out there struggling with the cost of their wedding even when they have the money to spend. I know many couples have trouble seeing the point and spending X amount of dollars on one day. They stress about every dollar spent, they get anxiety attacks with every invoice and they take all the fun out of the planning process. I’ve seen this happen for couples with budgets in many different ranges. It not the amount that you are spending, it’s the fact that you are spending it period that may stress you out.

First let me say, it’s not just one day, it’s your wedding day!! This day symbolizes the beginning of your new life together and you will always remember your wedding day. It’s not the money that really matters, it’s the experience you create; the memory you will have for years to come. Now what do you want to remember is the question. Don’t let the cost of your wedding deter from the experience you always wanted to create. You do not want to look back on your wedding like I wish I did this different or that different when you have the funds to create the wedding you want. Again, this advice is only for the couples that have the funds for the wedding but are struggling with spending it. I am not talking to the couples who are experiencing financial hardship but won’t let go of their wedding day dream. I’ll address you on another post.

I once told a friend of mind, you can upgrade your engagement ring, you can buy a house a year later or remodel your kitchen another time, but you only get one wedding day, one day to get it right. Even if you do it over on an anniversary, it’s not the same. Am I saying go broke to have your wedding your way, absolutely not. I’m saying, if you have the funds to have the wedding you want, take the stress out of the planning and just have the wedding you really want. Do not spend the time stressing over every penny spent. Stay within the budget perimeters you are comfortable with and just do it!!

So what experience are you trying to create for your wedding?

Do you have a wedding budget question? Send your question and I'll be happy to help at DJoseph@weddedluxe.com  

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha  Joseph

Wedded Luxe

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DJoseph@weddedluxe.com

www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Wedding Venues for Intimate Weddings

A wedding with less than 100 guests is considered a small wedding.  The first step to having any wedding is choosing a venue and for an intimate wedding this could be a challenge.  Choosing the right size venue is what you are looking for.  You want a venue that isn't too big or too small, it needs to be just right.  Comfortable enough to hold your guests and enough space to accommodate the type of wedding you are having during your reception.  This would be dancing, food services, entertainment, etc.  


80 to 100 Guests
Most catering halls have a smaller room that can accommodate your wedding comfortably so this is an easier find than you may think.  If there is a bigger room available, they may offer you an upgrade at no extra cost but do not get blind sided by the upgrade.  The bigger picture is the overall feel for your wedding. The bigger room will take away from having an intimate setting. 

50 to 80 Guests
This may cause a challenge as most banquet halls have a minimum that you must meet.  Whether you make the cut or not, you will have to pay their minimum number and you don't want pay for guests that are not attending or invite more guests just to have the venue.  Your venue selection can now take place in a loft style space that can hold up to 100 people seated.  You will not have to worry about paying for extra seats and there is just enough space for a seated dinner with dancing.  

Under 50 Guests
If your wedding is under 50 guests, you may consider having your wedding at your favorite restaurant.  You may not be able to have dancing because you need a cabaret license in order to do so but you can alway check first.  Having your wedding reception at restaurant is like having a fabulous dinner party for your closest friends.  It's more social than a party atmosphere.  

A small guest list doesn't mean small ideas for your wedding.  Intimate weddings can have just as much elegance, style and of course fabulousity as a large wedding.  When you have a small wedding, you a lot of flexibility for grand ideas because your guests list is smaller so dream BIG!! 

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha  Joseph

Wedded Luxe

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DJoseph@weddedluxe.com

www.weddedluxe.com

718.938.4713

Bridal Hair Inspired by the Oscars

My favorite part of the Oscars is the red carpet.  I love the all the glamour and the glitz of the night.  Any reason to put on a fabulous dress and get all dolled up is a good night for me. What I pay attention to the most, are not the gowns but the hair!! A pretty dress can be made a stunning look when put together the right way.  Many brides use these red carpets events as inspiration for their wedding day look. So here are some of my favorites for the night to help you get some inspiration for your look.

Viola Davis looked naturally beautiful.  The short cut is stunning on her and I love the color.  It is daring to color your hair right before your wedding so you should try it out at least 4 weeks before your wedding to make sure the color is right.

Photo Credit: TheYBF

Jennifer Lopez looked stunning! I love her high bun.  I love a high bun period!! I think it's always a classic and sexy look.  Depending on your veil of choice this may be difficult to have but that's what consultations are for!!

Photo Credit: Yahoo Movies

Octavia Spencer looked amazing with a low chignon and teardrop earrings.  This hairstyle is an easy choice to make.  Your hair will look great all day long with the sleek bang and neat bun.  Congratulations on your win Ms.Spencer!!

Photo Credit: Yahoo Movies

Penelope Cruz had a Old Hollywood glam look and it worked well.  This is a great look for bride wearing a classic ballroom dress.

Photo Credit: Yahoo Movies

Mya Rudolph wore a stunning side do.  It was not a ponytail if you are wondering.  This is feminine, sexy and everything you to complete your wedding day look.

Photo Credit: CelebrityGossip.Net

It is a good idea to bring inspiration and ideas to your hair consultation.  Notice I said consultation because you must have a consultation with your hair stylist before your wedding day.  If you have your veil, bring it with you and be sure to show a picture of your dress.  You hair style of choice should compliment dress.


Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Save the Dates - Do you really need them?

Photo courtesy of LePenn Designs

I get asked this question a lot from my clients. My answer always depends on a couple of things. 

1. Is your wedding a destination wedding?
2. What day of the week will your wedding take place? Is it a Thursday, Friday or Sunday?
3. Is your wedding on a holiday weekend? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions than yes you should send out save the dates. 

Photo courtesy of LePenn Designs

Destinationweddings need one year to 9 months notice. Your save the date should include your destination, your dates of travel, accommodations and a wedding website where they can check in for updated information. If you are using a travel agent to handle the reservations, you should include this information as well. The key is to share all the information you can so your guests are well informed.   

If your wedding will take place on a day of the week that  may require your guests to take a day off from work or leave work early to attend, you should give them 6 months notice.  This is especially for wedding takes place on a Thursday or Friday.  Valentine's Day is on a Thursday next  year so if you are considering this date advanced noticed will be helpful. 

Holiday weekends are usually when people take vacations. 4th of July, Memorial Day and Labor day are the most popular ones. There is also President's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve. You should give your guests at least 9 months notice for these dates.   

Photo courtesy of LePenn Designs

Now if you would just like to send them because you like them, by all means send out save the dates. However, if you are looking for ways to save money, this can be an item you can scratch off your list if you didn't answer yes to any of the above questions.  



Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

How to Hire a Wedding Photographer

I was meeting with one of my clients and she said "I feel like everyone with a camera is a photographer these days, I'm going to need some help here". So here I am with help for her and for all the brides out there with this issue.  The market is saturated with wedding photographers or photographers period.  It can be overwhelming trying to find a photographer when there are so many to choose from.  Here are some tips on how to pick the right one for you. 

1) Start with a recommended photographer
If you have hired a wedding planner, then we will have many recommendations for you so you don't have to worry.  If you have not hired a wedding planner, most likely the recommendations you will receive will come from vendors you already hired.  Most venues have a list of vendors they like to work with and they will be happy to give you the recommendations.  You can also ask other vendors you have hired or you can ask a former bride you may know.  You start with recommendations because these photographers can be trusted.  The referral comes from a trusted source that has worked with the photographer, seen their work or has used them for their own wedding.  

2) Look at their work
After you have comb through these recommendation or photographers you've found yourself, you should look at their work. Almost everyone has blog or facebook page and their most recent work will be located there.  After you've done some preliminary screening, you have to meet them in person!! You want to meet this person who will be with on your wedding day for about 10 hours to make sure there is some kind of chemistry.  If you are comfortable with them, you will be comfortable in front of the camera and then you will have great pictures!!!

3) Hire a professional 

Everyone has to start somewhere.  I too once had my first wedding so this is a tough one for me because someone gave me a chance.  However, they took a chance on someone that has been studying, researching, learning and practicing within the wedding industry for some time before I opened my own business.  I had a portfolio and letters of recommendations for those who have mentored me.  This is what you are looking for in a photographer.  They should have worked with another photographer as an assistant and have proof of their work.  You should also ask to see a sample album.  The finish product is the most important element.  No one cares about beautiful pictures if you don't have beautiful album to display them.