​Over the years, wedding registries have taken on a completely new form.  Couples are seldom picking out fine china and matching monogrammed towels anymore, rather opting for experiences and more custom pieces for their home. 

Dinnerware for entertaining guests, happy hour related gifts and honeymoon funds are the currently the most popular type of gifts that couples are registering for.

With so many options for every couple's needs, the registry can be overwhelming.

Here are some of our favorites!

​

Wayfair recently launched their Wedding Registry. They have beautiful ready-made registries, such as boho, modern and timeless classics to choose from, as well as specially curated collections inspired by Style Me Pretty, Joss & Main and many others. 
Wayfair also has a mobile app, which allows you to access and manage your registry from anywhere.  You can add new items, remove items you no longer want and track gift status. 
They also have the option for group-gifting, so your friends can go in on larger gifts together!

What we love about Zola, is that it is not just a registry.  The website has a planner that helps you figure out how many gifts you should add to your registry according to your guest count.  

They also have pre selected registries, like Gifts Under $25, Fun and Adventure and Unique gifts.

You can also add monthly wine subscriptions, monthly massage subscriptions, and other experiences including cooking classes, sunset cruises and golf lessons.  The best part is that they are customized to your home city.
​

For the couple that has everything they need, there is now a flower subscription service that sends the recipient beautiful blooms every month or week.  Flower Muse offers many varieties of flowers and you can customize packages as well.

Finally, you may not be sure of what you need, or what you want- You may even be thinking of a relocation.  Card Avenue is a gift card registry with hundreds of options from restaurants, retailers, online stores and credit card gift cards.  

A gift card registry gives you the freedom to take the time to shop around and get the gifts your really want!

These are just some of our favorite places to register.  Hope they help with the registry process!

Fall in New York is easily one of the most beautiful seasons.  It's welcome by picturesque foliage, coveted fall fashion collections, and a refreshing warmth from New Yorkers enjoying the cooler weather.  

Every season has it's own sense of beauty and along with all there is to love about the fall season, it also comes with unexpected conditions.

Some things to keep in mind while planning your New York fall wedding:

1.  Rain and cold temperatures are expected as we move into winter.
Be prepared for these conditions by planning ahead, watching the weather, and having a contingency plan with your venue and vendors.  

Ask your venue coordinator what the plan is and follow up and confirm this plan the weeks leading up to your wedding.  

If you are having an outdoor wedding, reserve tents so that you are not left without any cover.

Having outdoor heaters and blankets for guests in a lounge area still allows guests to keep warm and be able to enjoy themselves.  Adding a s'mores station will keep your guests entertained as well. 

2.  Keep your guests in the loop
Keep in mid that your guests might not be familiar with the venue and inform them by indicating whether your wedding is indoors or outdoors on your invitations so that your guests can dress appropriately.

3.  Holidays and Sporting Events
Fall season means back to school, holidays and football season to many.  Check a calendar and plan ahead.  If your wedding falls on a day where there may be a big game on, your guests might be distracted by tvs, ipads, iphones, etc.  

Jewish holidays, thanksgiving and other extended weekends throughout the fall might make attendance difficult for some of your guests.

4.  Take advantage of fall season favorites
The season has so many rich colors and flavors to offer.  Use classic fall favorites, such as pumpkin, cider, pies and hot chocolate to your advantage in your decor and desserts.  Your guests will truly enjoy having a medley of fall favorites to chose from.

Hope these tips were helpful-  Feel free to leave your own tips below!

Braids have been a huge trend this year so far in every industry.  From the runway, to street style, braids have been seen on everyone from celebrities, to every day bloggers.  

We've rounded up some our favorites to rock on your wedding day. 

Our first wedding of the 2016 season was an intimate one that was very close to our hearts.

Our client (who happens to be my aunt) wanted to share this day with just family and close friends.

The small wedding, on May 7th, was held at the gazebo in front of the Floral Park city hall.

We chose the gazebo because of its rustic, wooden and longstanding appeal. The weather was predicted to be cloudy and rainy, but thankfully the clouds parted and sun shone brightly for a wonderful occasion.

​

The small reception was held at Chi Dining Lounge in Westbury in their second floor
private dining area.

We provided the flowers and the Korbel champagne favors.

Everyone had a wonderful time, and we were so happy to have been able to put together such a successful event with the help of the wonderful Chi staff.

Spring has officially sprung! And with that come the long awaited blooms, colors and of course warm weather.

Every season has a special charm to it, but spring and fall are particularly my favorites (especially when it comes to weddings).

The abundance of fresh new colors, the excitement of longer days and just the sheer fact that people are in cheerier moods adds so much loveliness to any event.

The one thing I await when it starts to get warmer is walking out of my house and seeing fresh new tulips blooming. Every year, without so much as a warning, they make their appearance on my front yard- the quintessential sign that spring is officially here.

Many of us think of gardens when we think of tulips, but these gorgeous bouquets will make you rethink their purpose.

Recently, I've been seeing many more requests for buffet style receptions. And with good reason. Not only can buffets be cost effective, but they're also more interactive and provide a larger variety of food for your guests.

Many of us are accustomed to the multi-course sit-down dinner (bread, salad, pasta, entree, cake-done). As lovely as it is to keep tradition, after many years of attending weddings and events, they begin to lack their allure.

Of course there are venues that offer exceptional food and many different options so that the hosts can customize their menus- but it seems as if people are taking more notice of buffet style receptions.

When planning a buffet style reception, choose a caterer who will guide you in choosing the appropriate food for your overall theme and style and work with all of your vendors on this. Let them know that you are having a buffet style reception and you want their thoughts on how to make it as beautiful and functional as possible. Vendors see many different events and may have some ideas you haven't thought of.

Do your research. Get quotes from different caterers and don't be afraid to ask for references. Discuss food items and ask about what's in season igh markups.

Don't neglect the small details- make sure that your caterer is knowledgeable in styling and plating. Nothing is more of a turnoff than poorly presented food.

Keep in mind that during buffet style events, some of your guests might get up for multiple servings, so discuss possible waitstaff to collect dirty dishes and make sure there are plenty of dishes to replenish.

I was recently asked by a client if she should have assigned seating since it was a buffet and a party of less than 100. I absolutely suggest seating arrangements and encourage you to discuss announcing table numbers with your DJ or emcee. This will help to avoid large lines and crowds. As another way to avoid this- discuss setting up multiple buffet stations so that your guests are not waiting to be called for a long time.

Whether you are doing a Buffet or a Sit-Down Reception or party, the key thing to keep in mind are your guests. Remember that they are there for you and that they want to enjoy your wedding or event as much as you do. As I said before, do your research, plan accordingly and get as much advice as possible- in the end either food serving style can be just as costly as the other, but it is the experience and the memories that should be made worth it.

Happy Planning!