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

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

Tweet Me - Like Me - Pin Me

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com

www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Guest Blogger - Brandy Gomez Duplessis

Today we have a special treat! Brandy Gomez Duplessis, celebrity makeup artist is sharing her great beauty tips with us.

Brandy Gomez-Duplessis is a Celebrity Makeup Artist who currently resides in New York and part time in New Orleans. Brandy is also a L'OREAL Paris Pro Makeup Artist. New York makeup artist has worked with celebrities like; Angela Bassett, Kerry Washington, Kim Kardashian, Jordin Sparks, Anika Noni Rose, Edie Falco, and Kathryn Erbe, to name a few. Brandy is also a high demand celebrity bridal makeup artist in New York, that brides usually book her makeup service 1 year in advance. You can also keep up with Brandy by reading her personal blog "Inside The Life of A Makeup Artist", her fashion blog "Black Tie Stiletto" or follow her glamxurious tweets on twitter.

Brandy take is away!!


One of the many questions that are asked by my brides during their bridal consultations is “How can all my bridesmaids have the same makeup look?”  There is no right or wrong answer about makeup looks for bridesmaids. Many traditional brides prefer their bridesmaids to have a uniform look from their dresses, hair, shoes and even makeup. More modern brides allow their bridesmaids to select their own makeup look for the wedding day.

If you’re a bride that opts for all of the bridesmaids to be uniform with their makeup and your bridal party is of different ethnicity's, this can be tricky. Consult with a professional in advance and this will save you a lot of stress and make for happy & glam bridesmaids. I find darker eye shadow colors like; golds, browns, blues, purples and grey’s to be great on all skin tones. Of course you will have to tweak some of the colors a little more as all these shades will compliment each of your bridesmaids from fair, medium, and dark skin uniquely.

My bride, Domini, wanted her girls to all wear grey eye shadow on the day of the wedding, so I selected one of my favorite shade in grey; L’OREAL HIP Cream Eye Shadow Paint in Steely. What I love about the cream shadow paint is that it’s long wearing, creamy, and bendable.  It does not crease, even on oily eye lids, and it’s an eye shadow color that can be worn on all skin tones.  I just lined the eyes with L’OREAL HIP cream black eyeliner and finished the lips with a nude lip color. Try the Cream Shadow Paints in different shades, either way you’ll be sure to have a stunning group of ladies that will help make your special day GLAMXURIOUS.

CREDITS:

Written by: Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

Photographer by Oscar Rajo

Makeup by New York Celebrity Bridal Makeup ArtistBrandy Gomez-Duplessis

Picture courtesy of L'OREAL Paris

Groomsmen Attire

Bridesmaids usually have the opportunity to wear a dress that shows their personal style but the groomsmen are stuck in the same suit. I saw this picture and I thought this was such a great idea.  Each groomsman wore a different tie that matches the color scheme of the wedding.  This is a great way to let your groomsmen’s personal style shine as well.

Photo Credit: Kaye English Photography

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Wedding Etiquette - Dealing with your Bridesmaids

Planning your wedding is very exciting. It’s a great time to but it can get stressful when you have so much to do for the wedding as well as your everyday life. It’s a natural reaction to reach out to your trusty bridesmaids/friends for help but remember they still have lives of their own as well. For me two of my best friends are mothers, one is starting grad school and she manages a bank, another just relocated to New York while she builds her business and the other is a newlywed living in bliss. Just like my friends, I’m sure your friends have their own obligations. Keep this is consideration when you call on your friends to help you with your pre-wedding planning activities. It’s your day and they want to be there for you but you don’t want to ruin a friendship because they couldn’t do what you asked. Here are some helpful tips on how to get help and keep your friends.


1) Plan in advice. Whatever the task give your friends enough notice to plan accordingly. They have a schedule and they may need to plan in advance to be there for you.

2) If you friend isn’t a planner don’t expect miracles. She will not become Martha Stewart just because you are getting married. Give your nonplanning friend a task that she will be good at and enjoy.

3) Remember to say thank you. They listen to you debate over 20 shades of pink, they’ve tied bows and showed up whenever you needed them. Show your gratitude. Thank you goes a long way.

4) Last but not least, don’t sweat the small stuff. You are going through a world wind of emotions so you may over react at times. Just keep things in prospective. You are marrying the love of your life and that’s all that matters right now.

Happy Planning,

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

Two Words . . . . Jenny Yoo

This past weekend was full of events and I met some amazing people!! One of the biggest treats was meeting Jenny Yoo! I'm a huge fan of Jenny Yoo and when I met her at the Trendspot Couture Show I was like a kid in a candy store. Jenny like her designs was sweet, simple and fun to be around. Her designs are trully a reflection of her. The best thing about Jenny Yoo is her dresses can flatter any woman. The styles will flatter all shapes and sizes and you can also pick dresses with different necklines. This will give a uniform look but also give each bridesmaid their own look.

This dress will be the most popular bridesmaid dress of 2010! The picture doesn't do it justice. It's elegant, sexy and versitile. More importanly, this dress can be worn again. I want it just to have! It's perfect for weddings, cocktail parties or any occasion where a dress like this is needed.

Here were some of my favorites!!

Thank you to Jenny Yoo and Sandra Usherov the Director of Showroom/ Wholesale Operation for showing me the collection.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph

Couture Events by D

Designed by me, Just for you

http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/

718.938.4713

Bridal Party Gifts

Every client I work with seems to stumble when it comes to finding the right gifts for their bridal party. Most couples want to try something different from the traditional bridal party gifts but they aren’t sure what would be a great gift. I always say practical and useful is the way to go. Also they don’t all have to have the same gift. They have different personalities so why not get them each a gift they would each appreciate. Here are some suggestions just to get you started.





The Music Lover
Everyone has an IPod these days so why not help then accessorize their IPod or an ITunes gift card.

The Coffee Drinker
If you have a friend that can’t live without their morning cup of Joe then they would appreciate a gift card from Starbucks or their favorite coffee place.

A Little Pampering
For the bridal party member that enjoys a mani and pedi then a they would appreciate a gift card to a luxurious spa.

The Movie Lover
If you have a friend that goes to the movies for every opening then a night out on you will be what they need after being a part of your wedding.

Keep in mind that these gifts will probably run you the same amount as the traditional wedding gift so don’t worry about the cost. Just remember how much they have done for you during your wedding planning process.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Stylish Boutonniers

A small yet important part of your floral selection is the boutonnieres. Your choice of boutonnieres should complement your floral selection. The colors should be cohesive and your flower of choice should be the same as your bouquets. This small detail shouldn’t be over looked because like all the other details, they will be a part of your pictures. The groom's boutonniers should be different and special from the rest of the bridal party. Your bestman and your groomsmen's boutonnniers should complement your bridemaid's boutquets. Also if you are having boutonniers for the special family members and they should complement but not match the bridal party. You want them to be different from your bridal party to so they can stand out. Consider stepping it up by choosing a unique design for your boutonnieres. Here are some chic and modern choices to consider before you choose the usual boutonnieres.


.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Gifts for the Groomsmen

I came across this great and affordable gift idea for the men of your wedding party. This monogrammed steak brand from Williams and Sonoma is such a unique groomsmen gift. The father of the bride and groom would definitely love this gift as well. If your groomsmen consider themselves grill masters than having their stamp on each perfectly grilled burger at their next bbq will be a big hit.






Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Fashion for the Mothers

When it comes to choosing the mother of the bride's and groom's attire for the wedding, this can be a touchy subject. You want them to wear one thing and they may want to wear something completely different. The best way to handle this is compromise. Let the mothers be themselves but guide their choice with a color palette or choice of style. It’s your day but they have to be comfortable with their attire as well. The best way to find the right dress is communication. If you have a certain color in mind, let them know upfront. Don’t wait until they go shopping to hit them with this news. Also ask the mothers what they had in mind and share your ideas as well. You are bound to come up with something you both like. Dress shopping can be a fun day of mother and daughter time or a good time to get to know your future mother in law a little better. Go shopping, have a nice lunch and most importantly, have fun with it. Here are some mother of the bride and groom dresses I love and I hope you love them to!

I couldn't resist posting this picture. I thought this would be the perfect dress for that sassy, fashionista mother!! I know some are totally against black for weddings but this dress is so beautiful! (photos 1-7 are courtesy of Nordstrom, photo 8 courtesy of Real Talk of NY)

Happy Planning & Happy Mother's Day!!

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

This Isn’t Your Mother’s Bridal Shower!!

(photo courtesy of betterhomesandgardens)

For today’s chic and fabulous bride, the traditional bridal shower just won’t cut it. In 2009, we are Prada purse carrying, blackberry having, internet savvy, super stylish women. Break free from the tradition and throw your friend an updated bridal shower she will never forget. When planning the bridetobe’s bridal shower, you should base the theme on her personality. Think of her favorite things from her past and present. Keep her personality in mind at all times and makes sure it shows throughout the shower. Is she a martini drinker? Doe she love shoes? What her favorite food? What’s her favorite movie? What does she love to do on a Saturday? These simple questions can help you with the direction of the shower theme. As the legendary Colin Cowie once said, “Love is in the details darlin”. Of course the traditional aspects of a shower can still be incorporated. The shower games and opening of the gifts are still the crowd’s favorite. Even if she's a traditional gal that wears pearls, you can still add a modern spin to it. By adding her personality, this gives the shower a more personal feeling and makes it unique from the traditional shower. Whatever you do just make sure it’s a shower the bride will always remember.

Most Popular Shower Themes

The Spa Theme - Host the shower at a spa or have the spa come to you for mani, pedi and back rubs.

The Sunday Brunch Theme - Have a Sunday Brunch at her favorite restaurant and have the guest wear hats.

The Martini Theme - Host a martini party with speciality cocktails with oversized martini glasses for the decor.

Unisex Bridal Shower - Invite the guys and make it a great party for the couple.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Monogrammed Ring Pillow

I’m a big fan of personalizing your wedding. Here is a great way to add your personal touch to your wedding, a monogrammed ring pillow!! It’s the small details like this that makes a big impact on your wedding day. This will be a great photo op!!

I found this beautiful pillow on http://www.myreceptionideas.com/ . It's available in white or ivory, you have 15 fonts and 21 thread colors to choose from.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Bridesmaid Dresses from Ann Taylor

I am Ann Taylor shopper so when I heard about their bridesmaid dresses I was sold before seeing the collection. Then I looked at the selection and now I'm ecstatic!! These dresses are fun, modern and beautiful!! The sizes range from 0 - 18 and they come in gorgeous silhouettes. Here are a few of my favorites!!

Check out pictures of real weddings: http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/editorial.jsp?pageName=realweddings&pCategoryId=193

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Accomodating Children at Your Wedding

I came across this picture of me and I had to blog about it!! I was about 4 or 5 years old and this was my first wedding. I was the flower girl as you can see and I was the worse flower girl in the history of weddings!! I cried all the way down the aisle, I didn’t want to take any pictures and any pictures I did take, I had that face on. It was a running family joke for years and if anyone from my family sees the picture they will happily repeat the joke for you!! It’s ironic to me that this was my reaction to a wedding and now I’m a wedding planner!! Go figure! I would like to mention that the couple is still happily married.

Seeing this picture made me think of all the children that are either in weddings or invited to weddings. Let’s face it, weddings are generally for adults but if you having children attend your wedding then you should accommodate them as well. Providing a children’s tables filled with activities will keep them entertained and also give their parents a chance to cut a rug. You can provide a goody bag of coloring books, crayons, toys and of course something sweet! If you are having a lot of children, you may even consider hiring a “sitter” of some sort. Someone to monitor the children, play games with them or maybe keep them entertain in another room. I only make this suggestion if you are having enough children to full a table. If there will be one or two children, then a goody bag will do the trick. Whatever you decide, just don’t forget about the little ones!! They are your guest too!!

This little lady danced the day away!! She was the cutest little thing!!

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Groom’s Fashion – It’s His Day Too!!

I always try my best not to exclude the groom when I’m working with my clients but I’ve neglected to do so on with my blog. Shame on me!! It’s his big day too so let’s make sure he looks his best.






Wedding attire is a major part of the wedding. Your attire of choice should go with the tone of the wedding. I have noticed that this is a detailed that is easily overlooked. For the groom and the groomsmen, here are some helpful tips on choosing the right attire.

Informal: Business suit, white shirt and a tie

Semi-Formal Daytime: Formal suit, white shirt, vest, tie or bow tie

Formal Daytime: Cutaway or stroller jacket, waistcoat, stripped trousers, white wing collared shirt, striped tie, studs and cufflinks

Formal Evening: Black dinner jacket, matching trousers, waistcoat, white tuxedo shirt, cufflinks, vest, cummerbund or vest

Very Formal Day Time: Cutaway coat, wing-collard shirt, ascot. Striped trousers or vest

Very Formal Evening: Black tailcoat, matching striped trousers, white wing collared shirt, waistcoat, patent leather shoes, studs and cufflinks, gloves

I know some of these details may be somewhat old fashion for some of you but take the pointers given, update the look and make it your own!!


Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

An Ode to Bridesmaids!!

This week I watched one of my favorite movies “27 Dresses”. It inspired me to pay tribute to the bridesmaids. Out of everyone in the bridal party (besides the couple) they have a lot of responsibilities. They plan your bridal shower, the bachelorette party, they are there for you when you freak out and they have all the additional expenses that come with the title. The list goes on for them but as your friend, she’s there for you through every step of the way. She helps you pick out the dress and then help you hold up when you make your trip to the ladies room. For all the dedicated bridesmaids out there, this is for you!! Your efforts have not been over looked. Your friend may be going crazy right now but she does appreciate all that you are doing for her during this important time in her life. As I planner, I appreciate you as well!!

Giving your bridesmaids a great gift for all their work is always a great way to say thanks. Here are some great gift ideas.

Every girl loves a robe!! You can personalize these at myweddingfavors.com

Every Diva needs to check her lipstick!! This personalized compact from mybridesmaidgift.com is great for every bridesmaid.

For your corporate diva bridesmaids here’s a savvy and chic personalized business cardholder from beau-coup.com

If you want to step it up a notch, you can help with some of the expenses your bridesmaids will accumulate. The extra cost for the makeup artist, accessories or having a fun day of manis and pedis will knock off about $50.00 from the wedding day cost.

If you have a DIY project you need to complete, make a night of it. Have a fun filled dinner party while you work. This is a great incentive and a fun filled day with your girls. Just serve the drinks after the glue fun comes out. Here’s a great recipe for sangria that I love to serve at my dinner parties or a Tuesday, whatever the occasion may be.

Red Sangria
1 bottle red wine – a Spanish wine will be best
2 tablespoons of sugar
A shot of brandy (2 if you like it stronger)
1 Lime
1 Orange
2 cups ginger ale
Fruits of your choice

Instructions:
Pour wine in a container
Squeeze juices from the oranges and lemon into the wine
Add sugar and brandy
Cut and add the fruits of your choice (apples, oranges, grapes, peaches or pineapples)
Let mixture chill for an hour
Add ginger ale before serving

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713