Well, now that the wedding I was in is over, I can finally sit back and relax!
After seeing everything I posted on here exactly a year ago, I can finally say that I did almost none of those things! I truly got the in's and out's of a wedding. Yes, a few things went wrong. Yes, we had some chaos. Yes, we even had bridal drama, but what is a wedding or a marriage for that matter without a little chaos!
I'll sum up what we did just to be brief.
Bridal Shower:
Location: Clubhouse, which we turned upside down with pink girly stuff and lots of fun decorations.
Colors: Pink, black, silver and white.
Outcome: Being that I had to host the entire event, and had to announce EVERYTHING to 80 women, I lost my voice, but it was awesome! Food was catered by our local pizzeria/restaurant- 2 Brothers. Cake & cupcakes were from Homestyles Desserts in Peekskill, NY. Absolutely fabulous almond cake. TO DIE FOR.
Bachelorette Party:
Location: LIPS NYC - Drag queen bar in the meat packing district in NYC.
Transportation: Somehow, I pulled through last minute and got us a 52 passenger coach bus for 20 people. In attempts to get a party bus, I somehow managed to get a COACH BUS! I can't remember the name of the bus company, otherwise I'd post it and highly recommend it!
Outcome: Fabulous. If you can handle the drag, I DEFINITELY recommend Lips. The food was pretty good, but the frozen cosmo's were where it was at. Absolutely delicious. The queens were not only wonderful and hilarious, but had all of us in tears from laughing. One of them even came around making balloon hats for the bachelorette, and our bride (Jaimie) got a lovely penis crown. One which we all wore at one point in the night. =)
Wedding:
Location: Villa Barone in Mahopac, NY
Hotel: The Maron Hotel & Suites in Connecticut. Terrible. Just terrible. Our rooms were disgusting. The bed probably had bed-bugs. One of the bridesmaids woke up with bites all over her legs. The restaurant in the hotel was even worse. We had lipstick stains on our glasses! Needless to say- we ended up leaving.
Transportation: BMW X5 limo (which smelled horribly of marijuana when we got in) Arrived 45 minutes late to pick us up from the hotel.
Outcome: OK Ceremony- the reverend who married them outside of Villa Barone, forgot to let the bride & groom say their vows and blew threw the ceremony so fast I didn't realize it even happened.
GREAT reception. Great food. Great service. --until the night was over.
The day after, we realized half of the bride's stuff from Villa Barone was missing.
- The photographer's laptop was stolen
-The isle runner the bride bought & had monogrammed was thrown in the trash.
-The bridal attendant provided by Villa Barone was a NIGHTMARE! She yelled at all of the bridesmaids, told us "she didn't know what we wanted her to do" half of the night. She ripped the bride's dress. She lost the bride's vail. She told me to "shut up." I am in NO WAY controversial about anything- and I wanted to kick her in the face.
-One of the waiter guys hit on a 13 year old girl.
-The bartenders refused to give some people shots- when they hadn't been drinking much that night. They said they stopped serving shots. (thats crap)
-The bride had a hand-carved wooden "S" for the last name "Sabolik" to put on the cake- had it painted, and crystalized with SWAROVSKI crystals- and Villa Barone snapped it IN HALF!
Here's the kicker:
Villa Barone put the top of the wedding cake (the part you are supposed to save, freeze and eat on your first anniversary) in the bottom of a rubbermaid tub, and squished it with other stuff being returned to the bride.
NOTE TO SELF: NEVER GET MARRIED AT VILLA BARONE!
Anyway, I ranted enough! I'll be back later with some details =)
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Going crazy with your Bachelorette party ideas?
The point of the Bachelorette party is for the bridal party to give the bride-to-be the best last night out as a single girl. This has to be one party that she will never forget! The bachelorette party is the party she talks about years later with all of her best friends, so as her BP, you better make it good!
There are a bunch of amazing things that you could do on this day, or evening, so here is a list of some of the best places to go!
Resturant ideas:
If you are in the New York City area, there are tons of resturants geared to host a good time. Resturants such as Becco, The Food Network's chef's Lidia Bastianich's resturant, has amazing dishes for a low key evening if you are going that route. If you are looking for strong drinks and a relaxed atmosphere, try Commune in NYC. With cheap entrees and an amazing bar scene that feels like a club, Commune is a fun time! It is known to have young, trendy professionals there on a Friday evening, for those young BP's, keep that one in mind!
Spa Weekend:
Always a good idea for a relaxing time with some good friends. If the wedding plans are stressing the bride too much, a spa weekend may be a good getaway for the bride-to-be. Spa Bliss is supposed to be a great spa in NYC for a relaxing afternoon or evening. No one ever said the bachelorette party had to be dancing! The Helena Rubenstein Beauty Gallery is another one in the city.
Male Strip Club:
The most popular idea for a bachelorette party, going to the strip club, is obviously one entertaining idea. In NYC or Atlantic City, USA Hunk is supposed to be one of the best strip clubs. I've heard from many BP's that this club is so much fun and intimate! USA Hunk also has an agreement with Element, Elevate and Pacha in NYC for one price. After going to the strip club, head on over to on of those clubs to end your night dancing away! If in Las Vegas, hook up with Chippendales for a fun evening!! Lastly Manhattan Men is supposed to be another great high-end strip club in NYC and Atlantic City. They even have the option to hire a private exotic dancer to come to your house. Just be aware that the private dancers are an automatice $200 plus traveling fee. It may be worth it if you are looking to stay home!
Drag Queen Show
If draq queens are your cup of tea, this is an exciting idea for a night full of laughs and hysterical memories. Lips resturant is supposed to be the best resturant with drag queen shows, lap dances and karaoke in NYC! Everyone is treated like a QUEEN! Warning: Be prepared to be dragged on stage. Enjoy!
Just remember ladies (or gents) keeping the bride happy and occupied on this special day is key. You do not have to go to a strip club or drag queen show to have fun! There is always the option to go cheap and low key. Staying at home having a couple cocktails and some fun decorations could also be a lot of fun! Embarassing the bride-to-be with a few home videos could be pretty entertaining!
There are a bunch of amazing things that you could do on this day, or evening, so here is a list of some of the best places to go!
Resturant ideas:
If you are in the New York City area, there are tons of resturants geared to host a good time. Resturants such as Becco, The Food Network's chef's Lidia Bastianich's resturant, has amazing dishes for a low key evening if you are going that route. If you are looking for strong drinks and a relaxed atmosphere, try Commune in NYC. With cheap entrees and an amazing bar scene that feels like a club, Commune is a fun time! It is known to have young, trendy professionals there on a Friday evening, for those young BP's, keep that one in mind!
Spa Weekend:
Always a good idea for a relaxing time with some good friends. If the wedding plans are stressing the bride too much, a spa weekend may be a good getaway for the bride-to-be. Spa Bliss is supposed to be a great spa in NYC for a relaxing afternoon or evening. No one ever said the bachelorette party had to be dancing! The Helena Rubenstein Beauty Gallery is another one in the city.
Male Strip Club:
The most popular idea for a bachelorette party, going to the strip club, is obviously one entertaining idea. In NYC or Atlantic City, USA Hunk is supposed to be one of the best strip clubs. I've heard from many BP's that this club is so much fun and intimate! USA Hunk also has an agreement with Element, Elevate and Pacha in NYC for one price. After going to the strip club, head on over to on of those clubs to end your night dancing away! If in Las Vegas, hook up with Chippendales for a fun evening!! Lastly Manhattan Men is supposed to be another great high-end strip club in NYC and Atlantic City. They even have the option to hire a private exotic dancer to come to your house. Just be aware that the private dancers are an automatice $200 plus traveling fee. It may be worth it if you are looking to stay home!
Drag Queen Show
If draq queens are your cup of tea, this is an exciting idea for a night full of laughs and hysterical memories. Lips resturant is supposed to be the best resturant with drag queen shows, lap dances and karaoke in NYC! Everyone is treated like a QUEEN! Warning: Be prepared to be dragged on stage. Enjoy!
Just remember ladies (or gents) keeping the bride happy and occupied on this special day is key. You do not have to go to a strip club or drag queen show to have fun! There is always the option to go cheap and low key. Staying at home having a couple cocktails and some fun decorations could also be a lot of fun! Embarassing the bride-to-be with a few home videos could be pretty entertaining!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Myspace Marriage?
This does not have much to do with bridal parties and such, but I just received an email from theknot.com, and it caught my attention. Expecting to read about a couple who gets married via ichat or skype, I was mistaken.After clicking on the link and reading a little about it, I have found that the couple is not getting married over Myspace like the ad hinted. What they are doing is leaving every detail of the wedding up the the viewers and voters on Myspace.
Myspace and reality TV have teamed up to show a couple who wants to get married, but is taking a risk and letting the world make the decisions about their wedding.
Viewers votes for the dress, cake, location, bachelor/bachelorette party ect. Decisions are completely up to them! After choosing from three couples, Myspace users chose Elle and Tito, an adorable couple from Pennsylvania.
A wedding planner from theknot.com is helping Elle and Tito plan the event. With the help of Myspace video, the entire event will be captured and posted on Myspace and theknot. This 13 week wedding will be a challenging one, but it should be quite interesting how Myspace users vote!
Having other people choose the specifics of a wedding is a huge risk. It is shocking to find that three couples would actually agree to something like that, and in only a 13 week time limit!
For more information, check out Married on Myspace or The Knot's Site to see some videos!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Bridal Shower- Themes
Bridal Showers, a necessity. Every bride needs a shower before the big day. The shower is to show the bride that her friends and family support her decision in getting married! However, not every shower must have a theme. A simple idea like the color blue, could be a simple enough idea to keep the party together.
Bridalshower.com is a great website full of interesting and new themes for every taste.
Just a few themes to ponder: Wine and cheese, kitchen theme, lawn and garden, spa and beauty, Japanese, Victorian romance, dessert, luau, music.
Depending on the bride's age of course, these few ideas are a quick way to liven up any bridal shower. A 25 year old bride may not enjoy a lawn and garden shower as much as a 45 year old bride. Also, depending on their style and taste, any theme is appropriate for any age. The reason the bride picked the bridal party is because they are the ones who know her best, so the bridal party should know her taste well enough to pick a good theme!
Bridalshower.com says "Themes make the shower fun and unique. Be creative! Find gift and party themes that reflect the bride's interests and personality."
Of course, there is always the traditional bridal shower theme. White flowers, wedding bell decorations, a light lunch with maybe small sandwiches and tea. If that isn't the bride's 'cup of tea' then munch on this...
About.com suggests something sweet instead. Who doesn't love chocolate? What could be better than a chocolate-themed bridal shower. A chocolate-themed invite, chocolate for lunch and maybe a chocolate favor to top it off! Any afternoon that includes a chocolate fountain is a party in my eyes. A professional chocolate maker to show the ladies how to make their own chocolate would top it off! Now there's an idea for an activity shower!
Another interesting idea for a younger crowd, lingerie-themed bridal shower to spice it up a little. About.com suggests lace and ribbons for decorations, maybe a few boas. A few elegant cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to set the mood. Chocolate covered strawberries and some champagne as well to complete the theme!
Just remember, the bridal party must consider who is being invited to the shower, to determine the theme. Even more importantly, whoever gets invited to the bridal shower must be invited to the wedding. Do not invite anyone who is not being invited to the wedding!! If the bride has a friend who is not in the bridal shower, and was not invited to the wedding, do not invite her to the shower! There could be some unnecessary drama that could be avoided!
Bridalshower.com is a great website full of interesting and new themes for every taste.
Just a few themes to ponder: Wine and cheese, kitchen theme, lawn and garden, spa and beauty, Japanese, Victorian romance, dessert, luau, music.
Depending on the bride's age of course, these few ideas are a quick way to liven up any bridal shower. A 25 year old bride may not enjoy a lawn and garden shower as much as a 45 year old bride. Also, depending on their style and taste, any theme is appropriate for any age. The reason the bride picked the bridal party is because they are the ones who know her best, so the bridal party should know her taste well enough to pick a good theme!
Bridalshower.com says "Themes make the shower fun and unique. Be creative! Find gift and party themes that reflect the bride's interests and personality."
Of course, there is always the traditional bridal shower theme. White flowers, wedding bell decorations, a light lunch with maybe small sandwiches and tea. If that isn't the bride's 'cup of tea' then munch on this...
About.com suggests something sweet instead. Who doesn't love chocolate? What could be better than a chocolate-themed bridal shower. A chocolate-themed invite, chocolate for lunch and maybe a chocolate favor to top it off! Any afternoon that includes a chocolate fountain is a party in my eyes. A professional chocolate maker to show the ladies how to make their own chocolate would top it off! Now there's an idea for an activity shower!
Another interesting idea for a younger crowd, lingerie-themed bridal shower to spice it up a little. About.com suggests lace and ribbons for decorations, maybe a few boas. A few elegant cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to set the mood. Chocolate covered strawberries and some champagne as well to complete the theme!
Just remember, the bridal party must consider who is being invited to the shower, to determine the theme. Even more importantly, whoever gets invited to the bridal shower must be invited to the wedding. Do not invite anyone who is not being invited to the wedding!! If the bride has a friend who is not in the bridal shower, and was not invited to the wedding, do not invite her to the shower! There could be some unnecessary drama that could be avoided!
Bridal Shower
From themes to games, the bridal shower is one big responsibility. Theknot.com offers a few suggestions that helps a confused bridal party. First, which type of shower everyone wants to hold has to be chosen.
A Destination Shower- Maybe a trip to the spa, or dinner at a nice restaurant or country club is what the bridal party is looking for. Instead of the old fashioned, stay at home type of event, bridal showers are being held at more upscale locations. This type of event may be more personal for the bride, so the bridal party has to be sure the guest list is appropriate. If going to the spa, maybe a few close relatives and friends would be invited instead of long-lost cousins who are not seen often.
An Activity Shower- When the bridal party hires someone to entertain the group of women (or men) attending. Someone like a chef, or baker would teach the group about their occupation. Maybe an interior decorator or masseuse to teach those invited how to feng shui or to give the best massage. Just watch out for the 'entertainment' that may be inappropriate for grandma. No one needs to see grandma leave with edible underwear, unless she is into that sort of thing!
A Couples Shower- A shower in which couples are invited. This may take place at a bar or restaurant, where it is a relaxing atmosphere. The same format applies, however. The Knot says that gifts are still expected, but they should be more new-home related presents instead of personal gifts for the bride.
The bridal party should be aware of everyone involved. If one of the bridesmaids or maid of honor has financial problems, maybe a more simple bridal shower may be best to suit the financial needs. Keep in mind. a good bridal shower does not need to be expensive!
A Destination Shower- Maybe a trip to the spa, or dinner at a nice restaurant or country club is what the bridal party is looking for. Instead of the old fashioned, stay at home type of event, bridal showers are being held at more upscale locations. This type of event may be more personal for the bride, so the bridal party has to be sure the guest list is appropriate. If going to the spa, maybe a few close relatives and friends would be invited instead of long-lost cousins who are not seen often.
An Activity Shower- When the bridal party hires someone to entertain the group of women (or men) attending. Someone like a chef, or baker would teach the group about their occupation. Maybe an interior decorator or masseuse to teach those invited how to feng shui or to give the best massage. Just watch out for the 'entertainment' that may be inappropriate for grandma. No one needs to see grandma leave with edible underwear, unless she is into that sort of thing!
A Couples Shower- A shower in which couples are invited. This may take place at a bar or restaurant, where it is a relaxing atmosphere. The same format applies, however. The Knot says that gifts are still expected, but they should be more new-home related presents instead of personal gifts for the bride.
The bridal party should be aware of everyone involved. If one of the bridesmaids or maid of honor has financial problems, maybe a more simple bridal shower may be best to suit the financial needs. Keep in mind. a good bridal shower does not need to be expensive!
Maid of Honor & Bridesmaid
As a Maid of Honor for my best friend's wedding, I have came to realize that there are many duties a Maid of Honor (MOH) and a Bridesmaid have. A MOH or Bridesmaid must help the bride in any way they can.
Carley, Editor in Chief of theknot.com suggests to be there at all times for your bride. Through thick and thin, every good bridesmaid or MOH must support the bride.
Everyday, there are new ideas for themes, colors, locations, favors, ect. for a wedding. By keeping up with the latest ideas, I will provide tips for any bridesmaid or maid of honor. As every person in a bridal party (BP)should know, there are a few things they should keep up with and be prepared for.
As theknot.com states, the bridal shower and the bachelorette party are the two events the BP hold. Therefore, those events must fulfill all the expectations of the bride. In many cases, both events are surprises to the bride. It is a lot more fun when the bride is unaware that she is being taken to a party!
Carley, Editor in Chief of theknot.com suggests to be there at all times for your bride. Through thick and thin, every good bridesmaid or MOH must support the bride.
Everyday, there are new ideas for themes, colors, locations, favors, ect. for a wedding. By keeping up with the latest ideas, I will provide tips for any bridesmaid or maid of honor. As every person in a bridal party (BP)should know, there are a few things they should keep up with and be prepared for.
As theknot.com states, the bridal shower and the bachelorette party are the two events the BP hold. Therefore, those events must fulfill all the expectations of the bride. In many cases, both events are surprises to the bride. It is a lot more fun when the bride is unaware that she is being taken to a party!
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