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Must Read: Colin Cowie Wedding Chic

partysugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:00:58 -0700

Colin Cowie is one of the world's most extravagant party planners. He's known for his outrageous chicness and attention to detail. While he's planned stylish soirees for Oprah and other famous celebrities, he's also helped many brides create the perfect wedding. His latest book, Colin Cowie Wedding Chic ($26.40), is an extensive guide that provides ideas for celebrating every moment of the big day. It's a great resource if you're getting married. To find out more about it, read more.

Pros:

Cowie leaves no detail undiscussed. The book is broken up into ten informative sections including bouquets and other ceremony flowers, centerpieces, reception decor, ritual and ceremony, etc.
The tone is conversational, yet informative. It's a very easy read.
It's filled with inspirational ideas (many with corresponding color photographs) taken from real weddings that Cowie planned.

Cons:

The book's focus is on the wedding day. There is no mention of other wedding related events such as the engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, etc.
Many of the weddings illustrated are lush and over the top making it obvious that they were planned with an unlimited budget.

It's a hard covered heavy book: you won't be able to toss it in a purse and bring it to a meeting with caterers.

Imagery: The spectacular photographs make this book. Each page has at least one picture, and the entire tome is filled with hundreds of beautiful color photos.

Overall: If the sky is the limit for your big day or if you're in need of wedding inspiration, get yourself a copy of this book. However, if you're looking for a knowledgeable manual that discusses every aspect of planning a wedding - choosing an event planner, bridal party etiquette, planning the rehearsal dinner, etc. - you might want to consider another book.

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Would You Use Succulents as a Centerpiece?

CasaSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:15:49 -0700

One of the most beautiful weddings I've ever attended used succulents as centerpieces at the reception. The unusual plants were nestled in small colored glass votives that were laden with pretty, tiny pebbles. Would you use succulents as centerpieces at a wedding or a party? Source

Wedding Centerpiece Trends

partysugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:13:38 -0700

One of the many decisions you have to make when planning your wedding is how to style the tables. A spectacular centerpiece on the table is like the icing on the cake. It's an eye catching piece of decor that stimulates conversation and sets the atmosphere for the reception. This year centerpieces have moved beyond the traditional: fruits and vegetables abound, nature adds down-to-earth glamor, and the glowing cast of candles shadow the arrangements. To see some of the most popular centerpiece trends, click the "Start" button.

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Stanlee's Secret

partysugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 09:12:57 -0700

If you live in San Francisco, have an indispensable budget, and are looking to throw a super memorable party, there is one man and one man only who is capable of getting the job done: event planner super star extraordinaire, Mr. Stanlee Gatti. Stan has spent more than 20 years envisioning the decor of countless high society events with a sense of style that is utterly unique and breath-taking - including the Black & White Ball and several major floral art exhibitions such as the recent ONE at the Conservatory of Flowers. Last week I had the extreme pleasure (seriously I was so nervous he is like one of my idols and there is a character in my novel loosely based off of him) of sitting down with Mr. Gatti in his beautifully light, airy studio in SOMA. When I walked through the front door I was worried I had the address wrong as upstairs is Stanlee's office and downstairs is where the production of designing the look for an event takes place. Downstairs is totally urban with an industrial feel and upstairs is warm and chic - the walls practically oozed luscious creativity. When I asked Gatti about the upcoming trends in party decor, his answer was that of pure confidence and utter genius: I do not know what the trends are because I set the trends. I never look at what everyone else is doing. He only borrows from himself by delving deeper into his history to discover a new way of doing things. A tried and true trendsetter, Gatti sees the world through rose colored glasses literally as he was born with the gift to visually glimpse the world in colors. His infectiously positive outlook, incredible will to translate his ideas from vision into reality, and fun loving attitude make him not only one of the best event planners in the nation, but an ideal human too. For more on Stanlee's way of life and my interview, read more

PartySugar: What colors are popular this year?
Stanlee Gatti: I have a natural instinct for color and see the world in color. The colors I use are based on my own feelings. Right now I love eggplant, reds, purples, blues. The combination of eggplant and red, purple and red. I like to take two colors and mix them differently.

PS: Do the colors generally change with the season?
SG: Slightly, I get some of my inspiration from what is happening in the fashion world, especially from the Japanese designers. I only wear Japanese clothing with the occasional pair of Levi's because they are truly unique and different. Yohji [Yamamoto] and Issey [Miyake] push clothing and design to a place of innovation.

PS: What trends are emerging in arrangements and centerpieces?
SG: Always think in colors first because the color is energy. I do not know what the trends are because I set the trends. I never look at what everyone else is doing, but I've been doing arrangements that are back to the basics: overflowing, jammed flowers. It's a return to the 80's when everything was a little more traditional and using one type of color and flower was innovative. There is a simplicity and form to it all.

PS: What flowers are in?
SG: There is a caste system in which roses, orchids, and lily of the valley are always in, but I love doing funeral flowers at a party. Gladiolus, mums, and carnations can be absolutely beautiful when done correctly. I say never close the doors - if done correctly in the right way anything can be done. I don't believe in framing things in. It's up to the individual to create something that expresses where you are. I don't ever want to be predictable. It depends on how far your mind travels to a different place. Other than that, I've been doing a lot of flowers and fruit, roses and pears in gold tones.

PS: Is there a huge difference between the east coast bride and the west coast
brides? Between the east coast party and the west coast party?
SG: The only difference is in climate. The location and climate of a party obviously affects what the kind of party it is and what it looks like as well.

PS: What was your most memorable party?
SG: The Black and White Ball of '87 because it was the first time anyone had ever blacked out an entire tent before. I loved the way it looked it made it look like space or had the feeling of being in a planetarium because the only light came from underneath the tables. Still there are so many memorable parties. Suzie Tompkin's wedding on the pier was amazing because we virtually took 12 days to build a wooden reception room with murals.

PS: What's your advice to the everyday hostess?
SG: Do small dinner parties and try your best. Do what you think is pretty and what you like. Don't go into it with the mindset of trying to impress, instead put a real interest into the food you make and the flowers you choose.

PS: What's your advice to the bride who wants the perfect wedding?
SG: Perfect: define perfect? A perfect party is a party where everyone has fun. The number one most important thing is that there is fun. Perfect equals fun.

PS: Where can a bride cut costs without it showing to guests?
SG: Mix things and remember not all centerpieces have to be floral. Look at what's important to you and go from there. Make a list of the most important part of your wedding and start cutting from the bottom up.

PS: What was the biggest wedding disaster you have ever had to confront and how did you do so?
SG: 15 years ago in Modesto at one of the Gallo daughter's weddings. We were using a huge pompadour rose and drove the roses up in a refrigerator truck. On the morning of the wedding we realized the flowers had froze and had to buy every pink rose from every florist in the area. In the end everything worked out as it was supposed to. As long as you work it out before the party, everything will end up as it's supposed to end up. For me once the event starts it's all about having fun and no disasters occur.

PS: What is your favorite flower?
SG: I don't have one. Flowers are like colors, I love them all. I enjoy green earth tones because every other color goes with green. But seriously how can you turn your back on anything that comes from nature when there is merit to it all? The other day I saw a dandelion and thought it was the most beautiful thing.

PS: What is your guilty pleasure food?
SG: Without a doubt, chocolate.

PS: What is your favorite restaurant in San Francisco?
SG: I'm a vegetarian and love the Moroccan food at Aziza.

PS: A successful party is…
SG: Fun! A party is only wrecked by the negative attitude of the people in attendance. It's really all about having fun. You could stay at home with a six-pack and be with the greatest group of people and have as much fun as at a huge glamorous party.

For a peek of Mr. Gatti in action, come back tomorrow to check out the images of a dinner he was designing the night of this interview. Click on an image below for a closer look at the inside of his studio.

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Image Source: Pat Johnson

Ten Money Saving Tips For Your Wedding

SavvySugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:06:51 -0700

Because everything you need for your perfect wedding can add up quickly, it's important that you come up with ways to save in some areas so that you stay within budget. It's really amazing how many small details go into making a wedding memorable for everyone attending, from the bridesmaids' luncheon to the aisle decor and dessert, every aspect of the event requires thoughtful attention. Creating a wedding that makes all of your guests comfortable and happy to be there is the goal, not to mention throwing a fabulous party in honor of your new marriage! I've gathered a list of party tricks that will help you save money on the big day, and you'd be surprised how cutting back here and there can save big in the end. Find out useful ways to save when you read more

The Bridal Guide published a list of their top 75 tips for saving money in their May /June issue, but that's a ton of tips to sort through. Big lists like this usually lend themselves to skimming because processing all of the ideas at once can be a little overwhelming, but I've chosen what I think are the best saving tips from their list. Hopefully you can use a few that will save you more than a few bucks.

Book one location for your ceremony and reception to avoid multiple site fees and having to provide transportation between venues.
Cut out the champagne and let guests toast with whatever drink is in their hand.
If you're a stickler for tradition and can't live without a wedding cake, choose buttercream or cream cheese instead of expensive fondant.
To save on flowers, use lush greenery in your centerpieces.
Buy in-season flowers wholesale and then pay a florist to do simple arrangements (or you're crafty, then you could DIY!).
Hire a student quartet from a local music school to play during cocktail hour or during your ceremony.
Instead of paying extra for your invitations to arrive assembled, gather friends and set up an assembly line.
If a photographer whose work you love is out of budget, ask if you can wait until after the wedding to order proofs and albums. Save up, or use some of your gift money later.
If fancy wheels are a must have for you, a limousine will be cheaper than a stretch SUV. And if you don't mind taking your own ride you could hire a private chauffeur to drive your car, which would be much cheaper than hiring a limo.
Do you have a relative who never puts his video camera away at family occasions? See if a professional videographer will edit amateur footage - it will cost a fraction of the price for having the professional shoot the wedding.

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Avril & Deryck Are Married!

PopSugar — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 11:11:35 -0700

Congrats to the happy couple who got married yesterday afternoon in Montecito. Seems like the punk pop star went for the traditional vibe when it came to her big wedding day. She wore Vera Wang (one for the ceremony and one for the reception), walked down the aisle with her father and had rose petals thrown at them after their 20 minute ceremony. People reports:

At the outdoor, non-denominational ceremony, Lavigne was walked down the aisle by her father, John, to Mendelssohn's "Wedding March." She wore a Vera Wang gown and carried a bouquet of white roses.

The couple said their vows under an awning decorated with white flowers in front of 110 guests, including family and friends from their native Ontario.

Once the groom had kissed the bride, guests tossed rose petals at the newlyweds as they walked back up the aisle.

After the wedding, guests were to be treated to an outdoor cocktail hour before the reception, including a sit-down dinner, under a tent on the estate. In contrast to the all-white ceremony, the reception will have a red theme, with centerpieces of red roses and other flowers.

The couple's first dance is expected to be to the Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris."

Congrats to the happy couple.

Top 10 Wedding Cake Trends of 2008

YumSugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:18:39 -0700

The wedding cake is the unspoken centerpiece of the wedding reception. Whether it's a chocolate sensation or a demure statement, everyone's bound to remark on what the cake looks like. This year there are more metallics, colors, and, of course, small cakes. To see all the wedding cake trends for 2008, click the "Start" button.

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Pop Watch: Brothers & Sisters, Ep 4 "States of the Union"

PopSugarUK — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0700

Last week I said I wanted more laughs and last nights's episode certainly delivered! We were a little light on the Walker women in Episode 3, but they were back in a big way this week, and Nora, Sarah and Kitty's spa trip provided some of the best lines.

The rest of the family spent most of the episode in pairs: Rebecca and Justin were dealing (or not) with his pain medication issues; Holly was dealing (or not) with Tommy's indiscretions; and Kevin was tackling Saul over his sexuality. Or not.

To read more of my thoughts and leave your own comments just read more

So let's get the most important question out of the way first - what do you think of Rebecca's new fringe? I'm not a big fan. I also felt pretty bad for Nora at the beginning of the episode, when Rebecca took over the role of looking out for Justin. Still, it left Nora free to go on the spa trip with Kitty (who's stressed about finding a pre-nup on Robert's desk) and Sarah (who's stressed because it's her tenth wedding anniversary).
Saul goes to Milo's house for a party and guess who's the cater-waiter? Scotty of course. Small city. Anyway, I just love Scotty and his reminiscence about the "fantastic mango peach salsa" at Nora's - hilarious. Kevin is pretty defensive when Scotty tells him about the "big gay cocktail party", which leads Scotty to say "it's time for you to take off your Prada shades and open your eyes". I was undecided last week about who I wanted Kevin to date, but I now know I'm Scotty all the way. Jason who?
Rebecca is mistaken for Justin's girlfriend when they're at the clinic - is this going to develop into a strange storyline? Hmmm. An injured soldier called Garret Perez arrives and tells Justin he can't feel a thing as he's high as a kite on pain meds. Uh-oh. Later on, Rebecca is suspicious when Justin seems to have made a vast improvement, but he gets incredibly defensive and makes her count his pills. They're all there. Rebecca feels bad.
Kevin confronts Saul about his sexuality and is upset that Saul didn't support him when he came out, but Saul gets defensive and they argue. Later on, Saul and Kevin make up but Saul says he is not gay. What do you guys reckon? I'm not convinced.
Meanwhile, over at Ojai Springs the Walker women are getting told off for being noisy in the quiet room by a brilliantly funny spa worker. When the noise levels increase following Sarah's admission that Julia is staying with her parents indefinitely, they're finally kicked out of the "oasis" with a "Namastang" from the spa worker, to which Kitty responds "Namastang my ass". Loving Kitty more and more each week!
Another of my favourite lines occurs when the trio crash a wedding reception and Nora asks Kitty what she thinks of the centerpieces - Kitty: "I hate them. And my fiance". Nora: "Who Robert?". Kitty: "No mother, my other fiance". Heh. Sarah flirts with Cliff, son of groom Greg, and ends up outside her room kissing him, but can't get the door to open. She realises she can't go through with it so he leaves and she discovers she was trying to get into the wrong room! Meanwhile Nora has sneaked off to visit Tommy at the vineyard...
And thank goodness she did, as Lena "I don't mean to be presumptuous" Branigan has got Tommy to crack open a bottle of wine. Tommy gets annoyed with Nora for interfering and ushers her out, but tells Lena he's worried that it is his fault that William died, and Julia hasn't been returning his calls. The pair are totally busted the next day when Holly arrives and sees Lena wearing the same clothes. I actually liked Holly in this scene, telling Tommy that once is a mistake but now it's a choice that he's making. Good for Holly!
Back at Ojai Springs, Sarah and Kitty bust Nora for seeing Tommy and they have a huge row, with the daughters accusing their mother of interfering. They meet up again in the quiet room and Nora says she won't speak, but Kitty and Sarah ask for her help so she gives them her advice in a really moving scene. Love Nora. Sarah finally faces up to the divorce and asks Kevin to be her lawyer, while Kitty confronts Robert about the pre-nup and he says it was his lawyers' idea and he doesn't want it anyway.
The episode ends with Justin and Rebecca bonding again over the trashy TV show they were watching earlier, but when Rebecca leaves the room we see Justin take a pill from a bottle with Garrett's name on. I was totally sucked in by him earlier, just like Rebecca. This does not bode well.

So there are my opinions on this week's episode, but I'd love to hear your views. Share your thoughts with us, whether you've just watched it or you're reliving it all over again.