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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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What's Yummy This Week - YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 09 May 2009 09:30:22 -0700

A mushroom and brie appetizer satisfies vegetarians and omnivores alike.
Taste tested: Domino's Pasta Bread Bowls.
Both Oprah and KFC find themselves caught in a free food controversy.
Take advantage of strawberry season with a fragrant salsa or fluffy layer cake.
Decorate your wedding reception with rustic, do-it-yourself decor.
Easy meal ideas that you can make with your kids.
Bourbon, bitters, and coffee liqueur make a surprising match in the Revolver.

Come Party With Me: Wedding - Invite

partysugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:28:33 -0700

A couple of weeks ago I planned an engagement party for my friend Elena, and this week, the saga continues with her wedding. During the process, I'll feature my tips and ideas on how to host a fabulous wedding, so interpret them to your own liking. Elena and her fiancé are hosting a destination wedding in Lake Tahoe. Both the ceremony and reception will take place at a friend's house that overlooks the lake. The wedding isn't until October '09, so we have plenty of time to make and send the invitations. Elena's colors are orange and fuchsia with wood and khaki accents. To see how I made these earthy, elegant invites, read more.

You will need the following supplies to make similar invites:

Three envelopes of the same size
cardstock in two different colors
decorative paper
colored printer paper
glue stick
scissors - regular and scalloped edged
ribbon
branch-shaped hole punch
computer and printer

To assemble the invite:

Create a new document in Microsoft Word. Write out the details of the wedding. The wording on an invite is very important. Since Elena and Sean are hosting the wedding themselves, their parents' names are not included in the text. I used Edwardian Script ITC in size 16 to write the following message:

Elena Rebecca Osterreicher
And
Sean Gary Trapp
Invite you to join them at a ceremony that celebrates love and joy.
The exchange of their wedding vows.

Saturday, the 11^th of October, 2009
At 4:00 in the afternoon.

The Carousel Estate
West Shore, Lake Tahoe, California

Dinner and dancing to follow.

Print out on plain paper and check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Make sure the bride approves of the text. Print out on the colored paper and set aside.

Since the wedding is a destination wedding, the invite includes information on where to stay and a schedule of possible activities to attend during the big weekend. A map explaining the exact location of the wedding is also important. Write the details out as clearly as possible. Here's what mine say:

Places to Sleep

The Sunnyside Resort
(530) 583-7200
http://www.sunnysideresort.com

Plumpjack Inn
530-583-1576
http://www.plumpjacksquawvalleyinn.com

Granlibakken Resort
877-552-6301
http://www.granlibakken.com/

Please join us at one or all of these events!

Arrival Dinner
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Moody’s Bistro and Lounge
8:00 p.m.

Boating Barbeque
Friday, October 10, 2008
Disembarks at 11a.m.
From the West Shore dock

Rehearsal Dinner
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Carousel Estate
7:00 p.m.

Day-After Brunch
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Plumpjack Inn
10:30 a.m.

I will attend: __ Arrival Dinner __ Boating Barbeque
__ Rehearsal Dinner __ Day After Brunch
__ Wedding Ceremony
Carnivore or Vegetarian?

Print out on plain paper and check for errors. When satisfied with the wording, print out on the colored paper. Set aside.
Carefully, remove the upper half of two of the envelopes to make a sleeve.

Seal the third envelope and cover with the decorative paper. Line the inside of the side panels with the decorative paper and set aside. Turn over the sealed and covered envelope and glue the top flaps of the two other envelopes to the back. You are creating a three-piece folding panel.
Cut the cardstock down to 1/4 of an inch smaller than the folded-closed invite. You need three pieces. One for the center and two for the sides. To add depth I used pink cardstock for the outer panels and orange for the main center panel.

With the scalloped scissors, cut the text pages out. These should be roughly 1/4 of an inch smaller than the colored-cardstock pieces.
Mount the text on to the colored cardstock with the glue. Set aside to dry.

With the branch-shaped hole punch, punch out a bunch of branches on the remaining colored cardstock. Open the hole puncher and empty the cut-out branches onto your work space.

Glue to the text/cardstock in an attractive pattern. I put them on the edges of each part of the invite.
Glue the center text cardstock to the middle panel of the invite. Slide the map and schedule cardstock into the side sleeves. Fold to close.
Glue a few more branches to the front, if desired. Tie closed with the ribbon, forming a pretty bow. Set aside.

Line the inside of another envelope with decorative paper. Slide the folded invite inside and send addressed in your best handwriting.

For more fabulous wedding ideas check out IDoSugar!

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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.

Source

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

Find the Perfect Wedding Cake - Part 2

YumSugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 06:58:31 -0700

Once you have your cake design planned and your flavors picked out, it's now time to figure out different costs. Cakes are usually priced by the slice. Will the cake be large enough to feed your guests, or will you need to purchase another sheet cake to serve? Would it be cheaper for you to have a smaller cake and a larger sheet cake? Some even offer a fake cake (with real top tier) and a sheet cake in order to cut the costs. Also, what about the flavor/filling combos - you might love the fresh mixed berries, but if you're on a budget, replacing them with something else might be a good idea.

If you're going for floral decorations, make sure the baker is supplying them all, and if so, do you have a better connection that can get them at a better price? (Now's when I should also add, make sure the flowers you use are edible).

Don't overlook things like cake stands, cutters, toppers, either. Find out if they come with the cake (a cake always looks so much prettier on a cake stand), or if they require a deposit.

To read the last few tips, read more

Be sure to find out how busy the bakery is and how much time/attention they give to each cake. If they have a small staff and have several cakes needed for your wedding day, ask how they plan on pulling it off. Also, find out how far in advance the cake is prepared. The cake portion can be made up to a week in advance, but the icing shouldn't be more than a day or two.

One really important, and sometimes overlooked, fee is the delivery charge. Is there one? Does the place even deliver or will you have to pick it up (which to me, sounds like a recipe for disaster). Does a decorator accompany the cake delivery, or do they use a service. The ideal situation is one where a cake decorator accompanies the cake, this way if something slips during transportation, they'll be able to make any necessary repairs. Is it delivered whole or placed together on spot? Will the company travel to your location, or is it out of their delivery range? If they will, is it going to cost extra? Be sure to figure this stuff out, so that there are no "hidden" costs later.

Finally, have fun, be unique and be yourself - but don't skimp out, make sure it lives up to your expectations. As cake designer Edith Meyer (who created the two very different cakes shown here, and the one from yesterday) states, "Remember, it's the last thing your guests are going to remember from the reception, and it should be as special as the rest of your day."

Be sure to check out part one of how to find the perfect wedding cake!

Do you have any great tips on what to ask when choosing a cake designer? Or how about any great cake-tasting tales? Let us know below!