Just Flat Out Cool!

Green weddings are becoming increasingly popular. A 100% Green wedding can be more expensive, but it can't hurt to add one or two Green elements. Check out http://www.plantamemory.com/greenweddings.html. Plant A Memory offers many different favors that are environmentally friendly:


These cones are "plantable." After the wedding, guests can take these home and plant them in the ground to grow.

Live Tree Seedlings



There are many different motifs you can choose from. You'll be able to incorporate any wedding theme you have onto your favors or Thank You's.

White boxes and ribbons can be ordered to match any decor scheme you choose.

Plant A Memory also offers honey, soap, candy, coasters, and many other wedding accessories. Check them out at www.plantamemory.com. Favors start at $1.

Have any other great vendors or ideas to incorporate into a Green wedding? Email us at Stacey@asyouwishwed.biz or leave a comment!

Reader Q & A

Q: My parents and his parents are willing to pay for most of our wedding. What do my parents pay for and what do his parents pay for? Should we just split everything?

A: You need to sit with both sets of parents and make sure that they have the same cost range in mind when it comes to paying for your wedding. If they are going to contribute the same amount, splitting it could be the way to go. Traditionally though, here is what each side should pay for:

These are the main items in a wedding. Most other smaller costs (postage for invitations,

The Bride Pays For:
The Groom's Wedding Band
Gifts for her Bridal Party
A Wedding Gift for the Groom
Accommodations and Travel Expenses for Bridesmaids (Optional)

The Groom Pays For:
The Bride's Engagement Ring and Wedding Band
The Honeymoon
A Wedding Gift for the Bride
The Marriage License
The Grooms Men's Gifts
Accommodations and Travel Expenses for Grooms Men (Optional)

The Groom's Family Pays For:
All Beverages at the Reception
Wedding Transportation
The Groom’s Tux
Rehearsal Dinner
Officiate Fee

The Bride's Family Pays For:
All Reception Costs, minus the Bar
Bride's Wedding Dress and Accessories
Wedding Stationary -- including Save The Dates, Invitations, Thank You Notes
Ceremony Costs
Postage
Photography
Videography
Gratuities
Post Wedding Brunch
All Wedding Flowers

The Bridal Party Pays For:
Bridesmaids Dresses/Tuxedos
Accommodations and Travel Expenses (Could also be paid for by Bride & Groom)

Keep in mind that it is much easier to get all the facts about what each party can afford to pay before jumping the gun and making any decisions that you could regret later on. Hold a meeting with both sides separately and create a detailed budget so that you know how much you have to spend on each category.

If we can answer any other budget questions, email us at Stacey@asyouwishwed.biz. Email us with any wedding questions you have!

Recent Weddings

Vital Statistics

December 31, 2007
Bride: Chela
Groom: Bryan
Church: Church of the Presentation, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Reception: Florentine Gardens, River Vale, NJ
Photographer: Giulianna Marie Studios, Flo
Transportation: Academy Buses and New Jersey Limo Bus
DJ: MMP Entertainment
Media Services & Video: Sal Travis Entertainment
Flowers: Brodericks Flowers

Although I love every single client that I work with, it's rare that once the wedding day comes, I am actually sad to be finished working with one. December 31, 2007 brought my favorite clients to date, and boy did they throw a party! The day started very early, with the girls getting ready at the Park Ridge Marriott.

Her gorgeous gown was designed by Pnina Tornai, exclusively for Kleinfelds.


Everyone's first glimpse at the gorgeous bride...she's glowing!






Florentine Gardens and Sal Travis Entertainment did a phenomenal job with the reception. DJ Marcello announced the grandparents, parents, and bridal party, while videoing them on a jumbo screen for the entire room to see. After the best man (Bryan's brother Andrew) and the maid of honor (Chela's twin sister, Seanan) were announced, a photo montage was played on the screen. First were photos of Chela growing up, followed by pictures of Bryan growing up, and finally photos of the couple. Then, the Bride and Groom made their first entrance as husband and wife...

Fog filled the room, while the bride and groom danced their first dance to a romantic Cher song. The bridal party joined in halfway through. As soon as this song ended, almost all two hundred guests flooded the dance floor.




You can't do a New Years Eve Wedding without the traditional countdown and toast. Moments before midnight, the screen dropped down once again and the entire wedding got to count down to 2008. What a great way to ring in the New Year and a brand new marriage -- with every single person you love and cherish!



The night ended with a video "wrap-up" showing clips from the ceremony and reception right up through the cake cutting.

Chela & Bryan -- Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your special day. It was such a pleasure working with you both. You as a couple, your bridal party, and your guests were amongst the nicest I have ever worked with. I wish you a lifetime of happiness, and many more awesome New Years Eves together!

Mark Your Calendars!

Experience The Four Seasons at Meadow Wood Manor's Bridal Showcase!

Sunday January 20, 2008
3:00pm-7:00pm
$10/per person, all proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer Awareness
RSVP by 1/10/08 to 973-537-5454

Meadow Wood Manor
461 Route 10 East, Randolph NJ



Visit www.meadowwoodmanor.com for more details!




Come check one of my favorite wedding locations, showcasing overlays and centerpieces that highlight colors and designs for Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall! Plus, get advice from the following awesome vendors:


As You Wish Wedding & Event Design
Infinity Entertainment
The Marriott Hotel
Eloquent Studios Photography
Sweet Peas Flower Shoppe
Warren Country Flowers
A Touch of Elegance
Gourmet Touch Bakery
Fuse Hair Salon


This is a Must-Attend event for brides at every stage of the planning process! Email us at stacey@asyouwishwed.biz if you have any questions. We'll see you there!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from
As You Wish Wedding & Event Design!

Wedding Planner Seminar -- Location Announced!

Do You Want To Become A Wedding Planner?

Come join the staff of As You Wish Wedding & Event Design for an insiders look at how to get started in the Wedding Planning industry. We’ll give you all of the information on wedding schools, professional associations, internships, and the ins-and-outs of the job. Enjoy light refreshments while learning everything you need to about becoming a successful wedding planner!

January 8, 2008 7:00pm

Location: ZAK & Company

14 Central Avenue, Midland Park, NJ

$65 in advance, $75 at the door

Email us at Stacey@asyouwishwed.biz to sign up or be put on our email list to receive further information. Checks can be made out to As You Wish WED and sent to:

As You Wish WED
139 Highland Avenue
Midland Park, NJ 07432

If you are interested in full time employment or a summer internship, please bring your resume.

Just Flat Out Cool!

I love taking the little wedding details and doing something really great to get your guests talking. One area where you can take something traditional and ordinary and turn it into show-stopper is the Guest Book. For years, guests have signed a small, blank journal with their names and a few congratulatory words. Take this opportunity to do something really great that your guests will keep talking about. Include something that will encourage your guests to write a special message and something that you'll want to cherish for the rest of your marriage. Here are some great ideas:


Special Photo:

www.weddingchannelstore.com

Choose a favorite photo, and have it framed with an extra wide matte. Attach a marker and let guests sign all around your photo. This will make a beautiful addition to your new home!

Photo Book:

www.clsinfoservices.com

Websites like Kodak Gallery and Snapfish offer low priced photobooks that you can create from your own collection of favorite shots. Make sure to leave every other page blank for guests to sign. For a more glamorous book, have an engagement photo shoot done with your photographer and have him/her create the album for you.

Guest Book Tree:

www.weddingbee.com

You can adapt this idea in so many ways to fit your wedding. Your florist can provide you with branches (even better if they are an element in your centerpieces). Leave small cut outs of your particular shape and writing utensils under the tree. Once guests write their message, they hang it on the tree. If you're having a fall wedding, have leaf cut-outs. For a winter wedding, use snowflakes. Summer weddings can use flowers. There are so many ways to personalize this idea!

Aisle Runner:

www.charmelevents.com

If you're using an aisle runner during your ceremony, have a responsible parent or attendant transport it from the ceremony to reception to act as the guestbook. Talk to your aisle runner vendor beforehand to make sure that you have chosen the correct type of fabric. Go to a local craft store and get permanent markers that will easily write on cloth, and have your guests sign the runner. After the wedding, you can have it professionally preserved or turned into a quilt.


For any more information on where to find these products, email us at stacey@asyouwishwed.biz. Email us or leave a comment if you have any great guest book ideas to share!

Just Flat Out Cool!

If you live in the Tri-State area, you're starting to experience those first few weeks of chilling cold. Winter is almost upon us, which means so are winter weddings. One way of bringing a little winter warmth into your wedding is through your signature drink. When we think of signature drinks, we usually think of a "Welcome Drink" that's usually a bellini or appletini. Try straying from the norm and including a hot signature drink, like warm cider or hot chocolate (if you're doing a Christmas wedding, do a peppermint hot chocolate). Here are a few classic warm drink recipes:

Mulled Wine

2 bottles dry red wine
4 ounces port or brandy
12 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1 large orange, zested

Serving suggestion: Garnish with cinnamon sticks or freshly ground nutmeg

Combine ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer. Do not allow mixture to boil. Heat for 20 minutes and serve in a large, heat resistant punch bowl.

Hot Toddy Recipe

8 tbsp honey
6 glass tea
16 shots brandy
8 slice lemon

Brew tea and fill a tall glass 3/4 full. Mix in honey. Mix in brandy shots. Add lemon slice and enjoy. Makes 8 servings.

Hot Buttered Rum

8 oz light rum
8 tsp sugar
4 tsp butter
32 cloves

Add the sugar, butter and cloves to a coffee mug. Pour the rum, and stir well. Fill with boiling water. Stir again, and serve. Makes 8 servings.

Don't hesitate to take a favorite drink or something special to you as a couple and work with your caterer to make it happen. If you guys always go to Starbucks and drink Pumpkin Spice Lattes, ask your caterer to come up with a similiar recipe. You'll be surprised at how willing they are to help you create that extra special personalized touch.

There are no rules stating that your signature drink must be served in the beginning of your reception. A nice winter idea is having a "to go" bar, with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and your special drink. Complete the "take home" buffet with to-go cups, sugared spoons, and tea bags that have your monogram on it. Guests will thank you for the special treat all the way home.

Check out www.brandedcups.com for personalized "to-go" cups and http://www.beau-coup.com/personalized_tea_favors.htm for personalized tea bags.

Have any hot drink recipes that you'd like to share? Or more suggestions for a "to-go" bar? Leave a comment or send us an email stacey@asyouwishwed.biz.

Mark Your Calendars!

Do You Want To Become A Wedding Planner?

Come join the staff of As You Wish Wedding & Event Design for an insiders look at how to get started in the Wedding Planning industry. We’ll give you all of the information on wedding schools, professional associations, internships, and the ins-and-outs of the job. Enjoy light refreshments while learning everything you need to about becoming a successful wedding planner!

January 8, 2008 7:00pm

Location TBA in Northern New Jersey

$65 in advance, $75 at the door

Email us at Stacey@asyouwishwed.biz to sign up or be put on our email list to receive further information.

Featured Vendor

Last month, I threw a small get-together with a small group of my mom's closest friends for her 50th Birthday. We planned a relaxing "Spa Day" and had a nice brunch followed by a relaxing afternoon by the hot tub. I had a makeup artist, Jillyan Scarpa, come and give my mom a full makeover. Then, she talked tips-n-tricks, holiday makeup, and anything else the ladies wanted to know with the group. Once the girls were all glammed up, their husbands came over for a big BBQ. It was a really great event and I was so fortunate to have Jillyan be a part of it. She made each of the ladies completely comfortable and did a phenomenal job with their makeup. To top it off, she was sweet, funny, and a pleasure to have in our home. I trusted her with my mom, and I definitely trust her with my brides. Here are some fun facts about Jillyan:

Name: Jillyan

Business: Skin Bar and Paint Studio

Website: www.skinbarandpaint.com

Location: 98 Main St. Little Falls, NJ

Type of Vendor: Makeup artist/skin care (i.e facials & airbrush tan)

How Long In Business: 10 years

Work Style: Professional,fun & high energy!!!

Training: M.A.C. Cosmetics,Artistic Academy (esthetician's license) & life!

Favorite Color: Purple & Black

Sports Team: Dallas Cowboys/Chicago teams!!!

Languages: English(some Italian)

Favorite Food: Italian & Mexican

Hidden Talents or Favorite Hobbies: My family/shopping/Bon Jovi

Home Town: Chicago,Il.

Favorite Place: Beach & New York City!!!

Pets: 2 Shi-Tzu's Gizmo & CoCo

Favorite Holidays: CHRISTMAS!!!

Favorite Quote: Life is limitless... & truely living is each of us following the paths to be who & what our hearts dare us to be!---by "Me"

Best Part Of The Job: I love what I do---people are made to feel beautiful inside & out!

Make sure that you check out her website: www.skinbarandpaint.com for more about her new salon and her makeup services! Here are some pictures of Jillyan working her magic and my mom's big day!