Celebrate Your Culture with Your Wedding Cocktail Hour

Adding your favorite food to your cocktail hour is a great way to Celebrate Your Culture on your wedding day.  Let your guests enjoy some of the culinary delights from your culture or both cultures if you’re blending two families together. 

Fish Cakes

One of my favorite appetizer that I have at almost every family occasion are fish cakes.  Fish Cakes are made with salted cod fish or commonly called "bacalao" in Spanish speaking Caribbean islands.  It’s like a crab cake but with salted cod fish and it’s delicious! That’s just a little cooking lesson for those who don’t know what it is.  For those brides out there that know and love fish cakes , this is a subtle way to Celebrate Your Culture at your wedding during the cocktail hour.  It’s also a culinary delight that everyone will love no matter where they are from.  Many different cultures have their own variation of a fish cake.  So where ever you are from and however you prepare it, don’t be afraid to add this to your Wedding Cocktail Hour! People enjoy familiar, comfort foods at weddings.  

Are you trying to Celebrate Your Culture for your wedding? I would love to hear all about it. Send me your ideas DJoseph@weddedluxe.com  and I will feature it on the blog?

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha  Joseph

Wedded Luxe

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DJoseph@weddedluxe.com

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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

Wedding Decor - Using Your Linens

Linens can play a big role in your wedding day decor.  Ivory linens with a matching napkin is the standard but sometimes your tablescape needs more than the standard. Your linens include the tablecloth, napkins, overlays, table runners and chair covers so this gives you many different ways to utilize your wedding linens. 

Don't be afraid to use color. Adding your wedding color palette to your tablescape is a great way to enhance your wedding day décor. Trade that ivory for plum, fuchsia, chocolate or whatever your wedding color palette is.  

Photo Credit: Grace Ormonde

Textured or patterned linens in your color palette is a bold statement.  This will take your decor from the nice to decadent. 

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Table runners are not just for the home. You can use this decor tip for your wedding as well.  This is a simple way to add a pop of color.  

If you want just a touch of color, you can change out the color of your napkins.  

Using an overlay can add a soft but special touch to your tablescape.

Photo Credit: ParatiNovia

Chair covers have come a long way.  The usual cover and sash is now the standard.  Now chairs are just as dressed up as the guests.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Do you need some help with your wedding day decor? Send me your wedding colors and theme at DJoseph@weddedluxe.com  and I will create a free inspiration board just for you with tips and advice on how to pull it together!! 

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha  Joseph

Wedded Luxe

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DJoseph@weddedluxe.com

www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Celebrate Your Culture Through….. Cocktails

Today’s cocktail is Rum Punch! Rum punch is one of my favorite drinks.  Most Caribbean islands have their own version of it but my absolute favorite one is the Jamaican rum punch!!   

When serving a specialty drink, presentation is everything.  Have your guests greeted by servers during your cocktail  hour with your drink as they enter the room.  This just took your simple drink to another level and added the WOW factor you want to create throughout your wedding day.

Are you planning to Celebrate Your Culture at your wedding? 

Need some helpful tips? 

Drop me a line 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 Stationery - Making it Work Harder!

Using your wedding stationery suite is an easy and cost effective way to enhance your wedding day décor. Your wedding stationery will serve double duty because menu cards, escort cards, programs and table numbers serve a purpose all while being pretty.  Strategically placed items can add the special touch you need to take your décor from being nice to beautiful.  Here are some easy tips to follow:

Escort Cards

This is the first place your guests will get a taste of your décor before they enter your reception room.  The display of the escort cards is really the wow factor here.  It be as simple as adding rose petals or as intricate as having them attached to a tree.  Or you can simply let the design of your escort cards speak for themselves.

Menu Cards

You can have menu cards for each guest places in a pocket napkin fold.  To add an extra touch, you can add a single flower as well.  To save money,  have one large menu for the table.  Tent style is always the best way to have it stand on it’s on or you can frame it.




Photo Credit: Wedding Paper Divas



Table Signs

Long are the days when you just use the venue’s black and white numbers for your table.  Now, you can have your stationery designer customize your numbers to match your décor.  Couples have been going a step further and personalizing their tables with names of places that are special to them, different languages or whatever they may have a connection to. 

Favor Tags

Again, presentation is everything! A personalized tag makes the smallest favor seem so much more special.  Your stationery designer can match the tag to the rest of your stationery
 suite so everything has a cohesive look.  These miniture wine bottles also served as escort cards as well. 

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

Celebrate Your Culture Through ......Entertainment

To get the party started, DJ's & bands hand out party favors to the guests to have some fun with while on the dance floor. They are usually leis, hats, funny glasses and so on. How about giving your guests flags from your country to bring in your culture. This is an inexpensive party trick that will remembered by your guests as a fun and different element they never expected.

Photo Credit: SoBItArt Photography

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Celebrate Your Culture.... Food Trucks

Food is one of the easiest ways to infuse your culture on your wedding day. One of my favorite trends is the to-go snack for weddings. Surprise your guests with a familiar treat with a to-go treat from your culture.

In Trinidad, one of the favorite after party meals is "bake and shark". This a shark fillet in a golden brown friend pastry with lettuce, tomato and any condiment your heart desires. I like mine with pepper sauce aka hot sauce, tamarind sauce, lettuce and tomato.

You can hire a vendor to serve your guests on the way out. Your to-go treat can be sweet or savory. Whatever you choose, I'm sure your guests will appreciate a snack for the ride home after they have been dancing the night away!!

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Celebrate Your Culture Through......Traditions

Almost everyone can relate to the traditions that are expected at weddings no matter what your background is.  Some couples love to keep the tradition going while others hate them and think they are cheesy or just outdated.  Did you see the movie Jumping The Broom? The happy couple had the same issue. They didn't want to jump the broom or do the electric slide at their wedding.  This left some family members disappointed because they look forward to these traditions.  I completely understand because I have one of my own.  My family's tradition for wedding is what we call black cake.  See my previous post on putting a twist on it.  I don't really care for it and I think putting a small piece a cake in a box isn't the best favor choice.  As much as I may dislike this tradition, there are people in my family and some friends that still love this keepsake. When faced with this dilemma, I suggest you add a modern twist to an old favorite.  This will help you keep the tradition alive and keep you happy at the same time.  So whether your traditions are jumping the broom, the money dance or any kind of dances, try to make it your own.  

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Unusual Wedding Venues - Tips on making it work!!

Photo Credits: New York Wedding Guide Central Park Zoo

Sometimes the venue that's for your wedding breaks all the rules but it's still the perfect setting for your nuptials. A museum, a farm, heck even an aquarium maybe the right place for your wedding.  These types of venues are more than welcomed in the world of weddings but your wedding will still need all the elements that make a great venue. You may need to add a kitchen or even bathroom to have your wedding at this unusual venue. You even have to build a reception space from scratch. As a wedding planner, I love these spaces but you should know all that goes into having your wedding there.

Photo Credits: Martha Stewart Weddings Tent Wedding 

Catering

Your caterer of choice will need to bring in a make shift kitchen for outdoor venues or venues without full kitchens. They will charge you for the rental of this equipment.

Bathrooms

Port a potties have come a long way so don’t be scared of the idea of renting one for your wedding.

Tables, chairs and linens, Oh my!

Renting all the tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware and flatware is very important. You have to have more than enough for everyone and you have to ensure you have everything you need. Consult with your caterer or wedding planner a list of must haves.

Photo Credits: My Wedding Binder

Dance Floors

An outdoor space will require you to rent a dance floor.  A rental company will be able to tell you exactly how big of a floor you will need.

The Elements

You have to keep your guests cool in the summer, warm in the winter and dry all year round.  Renting heaters, air conditioners and the right tenting are required when planning an outdoor soiree.  

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Infusing Your Culture Through….. Hors d’oeuvres

Adding your favorite food to your cocktail hour is a great way to celebrate your culture on your wedding day.  Let your guests enjoy some of the culinary delights from your culture or both cultures if you’re blending two families together. No one will ever refuse an empanada!!

Planning Tip:
If your venue doesn’t provide what you are looking for, discuss if it can be done or if you are able to bring outside food in. If you are already bringing outside catering, talk to your caterer of choice about the foods you would like to have.  You should know their specialty before you hire them


Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Wedding Venue - Room Transformation

Last week we discussed selecting the right venue and what makes it the right venue for you. Well sometimes the right venue is almost perfect but we need to make some changes to make absolutely perfect.  It fits everything you need for a great reception but the decor could use some tweaking , this is no reason to change your venue.  There are ways to fix this minor set back.

Chair covers or changing out the chairs will dramatically change the room. When you have 150 burgundy chairs in a room it’s a focal point.  Cover them with your matching colors or ivory chair covers to give a neutral look. Also consider changing out the chairs if your venue has space to store the other chairs.

Photo Credit: The Cloth Connection

Draping the room with a neutral color will create a whole new color palette to the room. This will cover any fixtures that can’t be removed from the room while providing you with a whole new look to play with.

Photo Credit: Elite Rental

Lighting can do wonders to plain room and hide what you don’t want your guests to see.  With the right lighting, you can highlight the pretty things and dim the lights on the not so pretty.  Also it can change the color of a room instantly. 

The Lighting Guy

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

First Steps of Wedding Planning - Selecting A Venue

One of the first choices you will make during the wedding planning process is selecting a venue. There are some key questions you should ask yourself when you go venue hunting.

Does this venue fit my wedding style, mood and theme?

Your venue should fit the mood you’re trying to create for your wedding. The space should compliment your vision not distract and confuse it. If you choose a venue that doesn't fit the vision, you are running the risk of spending more money to transform the venue to match your vision.

Does this venue fit into my price range?

Before you visit a venue you should know your budget and how much of that budget will go towards your reception which is about 50% of your overall budget. Don't visit a venue that is twice your budget. It will only upset you when you see it and it is perfect and you can't have it. It's not worth the risk. However don't select a venue solely based on price. If it is cheap, it is cheap for a reason. Like my mother always says good things aren't cheap and cheap things are not good.

Can this venue accommodate the number of guests I'm inviting?

The venue should accommodate your large or intimate wedding. You don't want your guests to be crammed in a room with no space to move nor do you want the room to swallow them. The venue should fit your number of guests comfortably. Also some venues have a minimum so make sure you will meet their requirement.

Your answer should be yes to all these questions before you sign on the dotted line. If any of them are a no then you should have a solution in place to accommodate your needs.  If you’re spending too much money to make it work, then consider another venue that makes sense for your wedding.

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Venue Profile – Midtown Loft & Terrace

I recently re-visited one of my favorite loft spaces in NYC last weekend. I was showing this space to my clients, for their upcoming nuptials, and they loved it just as much I did. Midtown Loft & Terrace is conveniently located on Fifth Avenue in the heart of midtown. The space is 5,000 sq feet with windows on four sides of the loft with beautiful hardwood floors. The Terrace has a perfect view of the NYC skyline and the most famous NYC landmark, the Empire State Building.

Now I’ve been here before so you may be wondering why the post, well I’ll tell you! I received great news that there will be a retractable glass enclosure beginning 2011. This will allow events all year round with the same great view. Take a look here:

Midtown Loft & Terrace is a great venue for a wedding. It’s blank canvas so you can make it whatever you want. It allows for ceremony, cocktail and reception to be held all in one venue for an affordable price. If you are looking for a venue, make an appointment to visit the Midtown Loft & Terrace.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com 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

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

Choosing The Right Centerpiece

When you are choosing your centerpiece there is one important factor that goes overlooked and that’s the shape of the table. Your centerpiece should complement the shape of your table and create the right flow. Not all centerpieces are made for every shape table. Here’s a guide on picking the right centerpiece for your tables.


Round Tables – very versatile and most centerpieces go well on round tables. High or low centerpieces can be used. You also have the option to use multiple vases, containers and candles in different heights and sizes.

Square Tables – like round tables, square tables are very versatile. Square tables are also a great choice of a modern tablescape design.

Rectangle or Oblong Tables – the best centerpiece for these shapes is a tablescape design the goes across the length of the table. Utilize the entire table instead of just the center. You can have a main centerpiece that is the largest and add small vases along the length of the table, vases with different heights or a monochromatic look of vases all in the same size.

Happy Planning,

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