THE RP REPORT

5 mins with : 5 Minutes With Samantha Goldberg!

If you want something done with flair, fun and pizzazz, Samantha Goldberg is your gal. This super talented event designer is not only a regular on Style Networkandrsquo;s andldquo;Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?andrdquo;, but is also one of the countryandrsquo;s premier media experts on all things wedding. Her uncanny ability to infuse humor and spirit into whimsical design and her andlsquo;straight shooterandrsquo; demeanor have made Samantha an abs [More...]

Venues : The Altman Building Shows Off Their Sleek Space

After years in the event industry, I have developed the ability to find the hidden flaws in pretty much anything, particularly in New York event spaces. So imagine my surprise when I visited the Altman Building for an open house a few weeks ago andhellip; and thought that it was perfect.This restored, historic carriage house in Chelsea (18th Street) is now a gorgeous, two floor event venue, with a designer friendly open floor plan. The column fre [More...]

Trends & Ideas : Bloody Fan-tastic!!!

Is it spring yet? Is it? Iandhellip; I think that I see something blooming over there, but Iandrsquo;m not sure. Well, even if winter does decide to revisit us for a few more weeks, one thing is certain: Outdoor event season is around the corner. What better way to help your guests to stay cool than with an adorable hand held fan? I think that these ones from Beau Coup are too adorable for words. The ability to personalize is key this event seaso [More...]

Trends & Ideas : Right in the Kisser!

What to do when you have decided to give gender specific favors for your big event? Letandrsquo;s face itandhellip; the ladies are a tough crowd, but here is an idea that is bound please.Take a look at these amazing custom designed lip palettes by cosmetic packaging designer Carli Windsor. 3 gorgeous lip shades packaged to reflect and work cohesively with your event dandeacute;cor and colors. This is such an incredibly chic and fashionable idea t [More...]

Trends & Ideas : Bring the look and feel of a destination wedding

As destination weddings are growing more andamp; more popular, so are the eco-friendly favors for the guests. There are still a number of couples that would love to mix their wedding andamp; a honeymoon in one with their loved ones, but can't quite work around the locale, time constraints or details of such a task. A sure fire way to bring the Islands to YOU and still be GREEN are eco-friendly coconut shell candle favors by Wedding Belle Favors.T [More...]

Cutting Edge : Rockin' Rental! Artful Chargers

It has been so long since I have seen a bold primary colors scheme used for an event (and for the most part, I do understand why), but these stunning Italian Glass Art Chargers are inspiring. The different patterns in combination with the vivid colors will certainly grab and hold the attention of your guests. If anyone wisely chooses to use these in the near future, PLEASE send photos to us here at RP. Sometimes the norm, while safe and quite lov [More...]

From The Experts : We know the color of the year

Pantone announced many weeks ago, as our Editor in Chief reported, that the color of the year is turquoise. Read below for some color trend ideas by season as per Your Wedding Company.Spring andamp; Summer:...the florals are fresh, the air is balmy, cotton fabrics are your best friend and your wardrobe is essentially soft, cool colors. The same, natural feel applies to the color trends for Spring andamp; Summer 2010. They are:Turquoise, Platinum, [More...]

5 mins with : 5 Minutes With (OMG) COLIN COWIE!!!!

Extra, extra! Read all about it! Colin Cowie gives RP Report his take on whatandrsquo;s hot and whatandrsquo;s not! SOMEBODY PINCH ME!I am terribly sorry for behaving like such a andlsquo;fan girlandrsquo; readers, but I am obsessed with Colin Cowie. OBSESSED. Not in like, a stalker-ish kind of way. Itandrsquo;s much closer to hero worship actually.andnbsp;andnbsp; As an event planner, I would spend hours pouring over his amazing books and photo [More...]

Trends & Ideas : The Cookie as Canvas.

While favor searching on Etsy a few months back, I stumbled upon an amazing shop called SweetAmbs. I fell in love at first sight, and was so disappointed that the shop took a hiatus before I could tell RP readers all about it. Well, thank goodness that the break was brief and SweetAmbs is back in business! Pastry chef/artist Amber Spiegel has created a line of the most exquisitely beautiful cookies that I have ever seen. And I have seen MANY cook [More...]

Trends & Ideas : Weddings Cones Galore!

If you are looking for a way to spruce up your aisleway on a budget, these cones are for you. You can even customize the ribbon andamp; add in a monogram to match your theme andamp; colors.Simply tie the ribbon to the side of your chairs that create your aisleway. Place rose petals matching to your theme inside for stunning andamp; dramatic photographs. After your ceremony, your guests can pass the cones to the guests in their row so everyone can [More...]

From The Experts : A Whole New World!

Just a reminder to all those who have been waiting for their chance to be a princess for a day: The Kirstie Kelly for Disney trunk show is at Kleinfeld from February 16th through February 18th. Each of Ms. Kellyandrsquo;s gorgeous gowns is inspired by and named after a Disney princess. The collection is gorgeous and has cuts to flatter every shape and design that will appeal to various tastes. Make sure to make an appointment at Kleinfeld if inte [More...]

Trends & Ideas : What a SWEET Spread! Amy Atlas Adds a Spoonful of Sugar to Special Events!

That is so beautiful that I donandrsquo;t even want to eat it. Really. I meanandhellip; look at how perfect it is. Gorgeous! Is that a chocolate covered brownie on a stick? Well, one canandrsquo;t hurt. That is a lovely cupcake! What flavor is that icing on that lovely cupcake? Maybe just a bite? Oh dearandhellip;andnbsp;andnbsp;Former NYC Attorney turned Event Planner, Amy Atlas, has a knack for making her tasty tablescapes look like fine works [More...]

5 mins with : DJ, Producer, Trendsetter

Call 'em what you want, Jay's name is synonymous with club banging hits, remixes from back in the day we still can't stop singing, and a pioneer in starting mash-ups of various generes, including the marriage of reggaeton andamp; bhangra - bhangraton! Jay gave us an insight on events, his life andamp; what's next...RP: What music trends do you feel are taking shape for the upcoming season?JD: This year the music is all high energy, uptempo dance [More...]

Trends & Ideas : I Love, I Love, I Love My Calendar Girl!

Nothing says, andldquo;Thanks for comingandrdquo; like really great chocolate! Even better if the great chocolate makes a statement.While this may be a bit cost heavy to gift as a favor for larger events, these Pin-Up Girl Chocolate Bars by MarieBelle New York would be an absolutely divine parting gift for a Bachelorette Party or rowdy Hen Night. The chocolate bars are available in MarieBelleandrsquo;s dark and milk chocolate, complete with their [More...]

Cutting Edge : Rockin' Rental! Stunning Plate and Matching Charger From Party Rental Ltd.

Hoping to add a bit of 2010andrsquo;s hottest color palate to your event tablescape? Well look no further!This gorgeous Fleur Dinner Plate paired with the Peacock Glass Charger is guaranteed to add drama to any table. The combination of the vintage pattern on the dinner plate with the super cool glass charger as the base is the perfect marriage of modern edge and classic refinement. Check them out!http://www.partyrentalltd.com/index.jsp

Cutting Edge : An outfit, a keepsake, a cake topper

We've all seen the cake topper with the bride in a white dress andamp; the groom in the tux. We've seen the one's where the couple show off their hobby andamp; even where the groom is running away from the bride. Seriously...does anyone actually keep those on their living room mantle?When you send your wedding outfit to Shaadi Presentations, they can re-create your wedding outfit, regardless to ethnicity, and even match your skin tone to personal [More...]

Venues : Coney Island left Brooklyn for NYC

Coney Island always reminded me of being a kid. Rides, jugglers, fun house, candy apples, and games. The thought of not having that around anymore was sad as now I have to be an adult at all times!! Well, not anymore...Bowlmor brought Carnival to the city for all ages to enjoy.With dunk tanks, popcorn, pretzels, billiards, games andamp; fun prizes (both stuffed animals andamp; novelty), this place is sure to make any event or happy hour a fun one [More...]

Trends & Ideas : Trend Alert! Digital Graffiti Screens Add Some Funk to Industry Events

Capturing the attention of event goers is becoming increasingly more difficult. It seems as though the andldquo;been there, done thatandrdquo; mentality must consistently be combated with new and unusual methods. So how to keep the masses entertained? Interactive exhibits are the way to go!A dear friend called from across the pond to notify me of the newest and possibly coolest interactive exhibit that seems to be popping up all over England: a d [More...]

Trends & Ideas : A little bit of glitz

A cake used to be about tradition - it's cut for pictures, it's passed around for those that andquot;can't leave a wedding without eating cakeandquot;, and then that's it. It lacked personality, it lacked sense of style andamp; in most cases, since it came from the venue, it lacked your individuality. Those days are long gone - thank goodness! Now a cake has color, it has your theme in mind and you can make it extra glamorous by adding in some bl [More...]

Cutting Edge : Running the Table

Okay RP Report readers! Now you all know that I am an enormous fan of all things Etsy. In my opinion, it may be one of the best resources for any planner who is consistently searching for unique and beautifully crafted items for her clientsandrsquo; events. Usually I find wonderful options for favors and packaging, but not today. Today I found something so difficult to find, that I am genuinely excited to let you in on it. I have found well made, [More...]

Entertainment : What Happens in the Booth, Stays in the Booth!

Picture it: three funny black and white shots, one on top of the other. Funny faces, big smiles, kisses and occasionally 15 people trying to squeeze into one very tiny booth! Photo booths are a wonderful way for your guests to have some fun on your big day, while walking away with a charming keepsake from the evening. Nothing does more to capture the spirit of the event than photographs do. Some of these booths now come with fun accessories, like [More...]

From The Experts : Cyber Chic Nuptuals

For the bride who is planning her wedding on her own, it may seem as if there is absolutely no way to keep yourself organized enough to pull this whole she-bang off without a hitch. Most will try, and actually believe that she can handle it all independently until she sends an email saying andldquo;No Orangeandrdquo; to the caterer instead of the florist, thus causing mass panic as the caterer tries to figure out how to prepare duck ala orange wi [More...]

From The Experts : Photos at their finest

I first had the pleasure of working with Laura Eaton Photography when working on a pre-wedding event andamp; wedding together in July 2009. From the moment we met, to the end of the wedding, the synergy was apparent. This husband andamp; wife team, Laura andamp; Paul, not only went above andamp; beyond to capture images of this spectacular event, but made sure they were capturing the story as well.I made it a point to let them know about which ke [More...]

Cutting Edge : Everything Looks Better in the Right Light!

Attention anyone who cares!!! Lighting is taking center stage in event design for 2010! Lighting is an amazing way and cost effective way to transform an entire space. Planners and designers are going that extra mile to find the most unique chandeliers and lamps to incorporate into table dandeacute;cor. In addition to that, they are pulling out all of the stops searching for new ways to use traditional uplighting and pinspots to achieve dramatic [More...]

Trends & Ideas : A trend that never stops giving

How many of you have a drawer full of wedding favors that you can't bring yourself to throw out, but know you have no use for? That's what I thought...I'm not alone in this quest for finding the andquot;perfectandquot; favor for my couples. There are those cute couples that met online andamp; give mousepads reading andquot;we clickedandquot;. Then there are those couples that are foodies andamp; give andquot;meant to beeandquot; honey jars. I get [More...]

Trends & Ideas : Create a Scene! My Find of the Week!

When producing a high end childrenandrsquo;s party there is nothing that sets the stage for fun like custom designed or hand painted backdrops.These amazing pieces of art made for sale or rent by Backdrops Beautiful will transport your special attendees to a land where fairytales really do come true.andnbsp; From fun drops that take us on a hike through the mountains to ones that giveandnbsp;us the sea shore (minus the salt air), the selection of [More...]

Food and Catering : Lights! Camera! Action...um, stations! Action Stations make a comeback in event service.

There are many people who feel as though the traditional sit down dinner is the only way to go for both, galas and weddings. Convention says that buffet style service is not considered high end enough for formal events. I personally disagree, and based on trend reports, I know that I am not the only one. There are many forms of buffet service, however, the one that seems to be catching the attention of planners and brides is a high end form of ac [More...]

Cutting Edge : For a royal event

Have you ever walked into the venue of your dreams only to see that the wallpaper doesn't fit the theme of your event or maybe the entrance isn't as dramatic as you hoped? Have you ever had a space too large for your event but want every element of the space to fit your theme? Don't dismiss the venue...DRAPE it with Drape Kings!Drape Kings offers many colors andamp; textures of draping with many heights andamp; lengths for pipe andamp; base. You [More...]

From The Experts : The Luge! My Find of the Week!

I was hunting down the coolest and newest for our RP Readers today and came across one of the most amazing ice sculpture artists. His name is Don Chapelle and is based in andnbsp;Massachusettes. Having worked in the industry for oh, sayandhellip; about a hundred years, I have seen and commissioned my fair share of ice sculptures. I have picked shrimp and oysters off of them. I have tasted the finest caviar off of them. I have kneeled down and dra [More...]

Venues : An affordable rental space in Astoria?

There are not many choices in Queens when looking for some place affordable for your special event. You may have a nice venue, but have to have catering in house or you may have a catering facility you like, but don't like the decor. Club SANM can change all of that for you.Club SANM is a multi-purpose event facility with a stage, a state of the art sound system andamp; a projection screen for your use. Apart from that, some advantages to the spa [More...]

Trends & Ideas : Big Things Come In Small Packages!

The box is almost as important as what goes in it. These incredibly elegant Mini Oval Favor Boxes in black with white trim comes with classic black grosgrain ribbon to give this stunner a stylish finish. These boxes are the perfect wrapping for chocolates or other sweet treats of your choosing. There is no doubt that your guests will be utterly charmed when they see these favor boxes on their tables.Take a look: http://www.americanbridal.com/wedd [More...]

From The Experts : If you need flawless make-up and hair

Truth be told, Iandrsquo;m one of those divas that will go get my hair andamp; make-up done to attend a social event, yup, even if Iandrsquo;m not IN the wedding party or its not MY birthday. I just like the feeling of being pampered andamp; looking put together. As picky as I am, I can only imagine the stress a bride feels in finding the right hair stylist andamp; a make-up artist. Enter BridalGalandhellip; Lilly Rivera, founder of BridalGal, is [More...]

From The Experts : Hold My Purse!

I love finding little gems like this. All brides to be absolutely must check out Beegee Bags! This magical little business has the most exquisite vintage inspired clutch bags to carry on your wedding day, or give to your bridesmaids. Not only is the collection adorable and filled with options to match any color palette and floral theme, but the company also produces custom bags. A range of patterns, fabrics and high quality hardware may even temp [More...]

Food and Catering : No Such Thing As Too Many Cooks In THIS Kitchen!!

Calling all new chefs, budding caterers and up and coming pastry chefs! Has your new business outgrown your home kitchen? Are you ready for an industrial size work environment with state of the art tools and appliances, but are unable to afford your own yet? Baby steps have never been so easy, my friends! Mi Kitchen es su Kitchen is here to make the transition as smooth as possible for you.The 5000 square foot kitchen is divided into four work sp [More...]

Entertainment : Hey Mr. DJ...

Music is easily one of the most important elements of any event. Its presence sets the tone, creates the atmosphere and certainly provides the lionandrsquo;s share of the entertainment on any given evening. It is always such a blessing for ethnic brides, grooms and party hosts of any descent to be fortunate enough to find a DJ who can not only spin like itandrsquo;s the last night of the world, but do it in a way that fuses the musical landscapes [More...]

From The Experts : WOE IS ME! Pantone declares Turquoise the color of 2010. NOOO!!!

Last week, much to my chagrin, the Pantone Color Institute announced that Turquoise is going to be the color of 2010. According to Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman, andldquo;In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color. It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studie [More...]

Cutting Edge : ROCKIN' RENTAL! Gorgeous Goblets from Party Rental Ltd.

Eat, drink and be merry! These goblets add a festive feeling to any occasion!These charming goblets offer a fashionable way to make your stemware a focal point of your table. The andnbsp;delicate etching around the glass adds a rich texture and a great deal of flair. They are available in a gorgeous green and a robust amber. Follow this link to take a look at other choices of stemware an glassware from Party Rental Ltd.: http://www.partyrentalltd [More...]

5 mins with : Five Minutes With Taryn Cotos, East Coast Event Manager at MAC Cosmetics!

It is an undisputed fact that MAC Cosmetics is one of the most highly creative brands in the world of fashion and cosmetics. It is a brand whose employees consistently set the bar sky high in terms ofandnbsp;not just identifying and setting trend, but staying 10 steps ahead of it. andnbsp;The Retail Events team is a prime example of that extraordinary creative force. Although East Coast Event Manager, Taryn Cotos is currently hard at work on the [More...]

Cutting Edge : ROCKIN' RENTAL! Modern, earthy serving trays from Party Rental Ltd.

Looking for a rustic, yet sleek way to serve your guests? These lovely resin serving trays are sure to be a hit!These brand new serving trays in copper and dark bronze are perfect for serving passed hors dandrsquo;oeuvres, but are so stylish that they can easily be used for family style service as well. The whimsical shape of the rectangular trays gives a convenient handle on each side. Follow this link to take a look at these and other serving t [More...]

5 mins with : Five Minutes With Sonal J. Shah!

Sonal J. Shahandrsquo;s name has become synonymous with high quality, platinum weddings, particularly in the South Asian community. Indian weddings can occasional span the better part of a week, with different events on each day. Such high end productions require high end event producers, and Sonal is just that. Her flair for design and her high level of organization ensure that any client of hers is going to have the wedding of her dreamsandhell [More...]

Venues : Rustic Splendor on a golf course

Last year, I had a lovely couple that wanted to have a andldquo;Falling in Loveandrdquo; fall theme for their November nuptials. We carefully planned all the details from the ivies, to the curly willows to the green andamp; brown color palette. When looking at venues, we knew the moment we saw it, that it was the perfect fit!Carlyle on the Green in Bethpage overlooks the world famous Bethpage Blackandreg; golf course in Bethpage State Park, home [More...]

Food and Catering : When you think Bukhara, don't just think India

A business usually has a story on andldquo;how we got where we areandrdquo;andhellip;here andlsquo;s a little bit of Bukharaandrsquo;s. Bukhara is a restaurant at the Luxury Collection ITC Hotel Maurya in New Delhi, India where long time friends andamp; now business partners Raja Jhanjee andamp; Vicky Vij worked. A dream to start their own restaurant began in India andamp; became reality in New York in September 1999 when they brought andquot;Dal [More...]

5 mins with : 5 Minutes With Devra Glauberman and Katie Smith of MarieMerin Productions!

It is always interesting to see what the new generation of planners is up to. I ran into the founders of hot new event firm MarieMarin, Devra Glauberman and Katie Smith, at a party recently and took a few moments to run RP Reportandrsquo;s favorite five questions by them. Katie who got her start at MTV and Alloy Media, and Devra whose resume boasts stints at Michael Kors and Glamour Magazine, are currently hard at work on producing the exclusive [More...]

Trends & Ideas : A picture is worth a thousand words...

andhellip; and at least 1/3 of them will need to be bleeped out if you donandrsquo;t like your photographer. So why risk it? Go where you have options!I had a great chat with photo biz pioneer Elizabeth Beskin of Fifth Avenue Digital earlier this month. For those of you who donandrsquo;t know, Fifth Avenue Digital is a group of photographers, a photo agency of sorts. This allows the company to provide clients with a variety of styles of photograp [More...]

Trends & Ideas : The Favored Favor! The Gift of Poetry

Smart brides, hosts and hostesses are beginning to catch on: There are smarter ways to give favors that will wow their guests, while staying true to the theme of the event. A new trend that I absolutely love is the idea of giving literature or a hardcover book of poetry that is topical. A nice choice that pairs well with all of the lovely doviness for a wedding is Love Poems, edited by C.N. Edwards. The poems are a compilation of various famous p [More...]

Cutting Edge : ROCKIN' RENTAL! Elegant Chargers from Party Rental Ltd.

Want your table to make a statement? Then these new chargers are not to be missed!Chargers are the foundation of any perfect tablescape. They showcase the china and flatware, and in many cases can be used to add just the right amount of shimmer and refinement to the dandeacute;cor.andnbsp;Check out these new charger options from Party Rental Ltd. Click on this link and take a look at the models listed below: andnbsp;http://www.partyrentalltd.com/ [More...]

Venues : 1 all white loft + 1 all espresso loft =

From the moment you walk out of the freight elevator andamp; into this 12,500 square foot space, youandrsquo;re hooked! This all white event space has pristine walls, elegant chandeliers andamp; state of the art LEDandrsquo;s to change the mood or dandeacute;cor in an instant.They have a private VIP lounge or bridal suite, a wide variety of tables, silver Chivari chairs with white cushions andamp; 4 all white lounge furniture sectionals complimen [More...]

Entertainment : When looking for an authentic sound

When I was hired to do a andldquo;Coming to Americaandrdquo; themed baby shower, I thought I had it all figured out. Tropical plants, life size animal cut-outs, fake passports, foods from different continents, and of course music. What had me stumped was entertainment!I needed a specific type of entertainment. Not just a dance troupe with drummers, but one that was able to emulate EAST African sounds in Swahili. There was a wide variety of Afro-C [More...]

Venues : Lofty Aspirations! Loft 676 opens in Soho!

I am an enormous fan of beautiful raw event space. Unfortunately, in New York City it is rather difficult to find at a reasonable cost and without the 'exclusive vendor' restrictions. Lucky for us, a fantastic new space has opened up in super chic Soho. Welcome to Loft 676!From the moment that you enter the building and find yourself surrounded by an original Keith Herring mural in the lobby, you know that you are in for a treat. The roomy fourth [More...]

5 mins with : Five minutes with Frank Alexander!

With his trademark style and fun approach to design, Frank Alexander has certainly made his presence known in the world of special events. His use of color, lighting and texture in his tablescaping is completely breathtaking.andnbsp;Even more importantly, Frank and his team have design 'technical chopsandrsquo; to back up their elaborate concepts. The expert choices in floral and linen are apparent. His incredible ability to utilize space and the [More...]

Entertainment : A horse is a horse, of course, of course

When preparing for a baraat, most use this checklist: Groom - check. Procession - check. Band or Music - check. Horse andamp; Carriage - check, but wait...I have options??With Pony Share (Equishare Baraat Horses andamp; Carriages), yes, you do! Not only is the staff always dressed in traditional garb and ready with a smile to lead the groom to his castle, but they are not the only one's dressed to the nines. When logging on to their website, you [More...]

Food and Catering : IPS Restaurant Group Adds Some Spice to Event Catering!

andnbsp;IPS Restaurant Group has done it again! The fantastic restaurant group who is responsible for Baluchiandrsquo;s, one of the most well known Indian catering outfits in New York City, has crossed over into the land of hip fusion food with their newest endeavor Aangan.andnbsp;Those who are familiar with Indian cuisine will agree with me when I say that it is quite difficult to veer off of the well worn path, as consumers have come to expect [More...]

Trends & Ideas : Elegance is the Name of the Game

Have you ever walked through a gallery and seen a painting that was so beautiful that you just wanted to jump into it? Well, that is exactly what I feel like when I look at the coverage of events that have been created by Tasty Thoughts. andnbsp;Just spend a few moments speaking with the refined, soft spoken founder, Cristina Verger, and you will know immediately that she views event planning as a very serious art form.andnbsp;The product of a lo [More...]

Cutting Edge : ROCKIN' RENTAL! New Bar Screen from Party Rental Ltd.

Searching for a way to make your event bars stand out? Check out this new Barandnbsp;Screen in Brown Ostrich!This super chic new rental helps planners to infuse texture and pattern into the bar areas at their events. Not only does this barandnbsp;screen feel really cool, but it also reads beautifully under lighting and photographs like a dream! The bar screen's dimensions are 8andrsquo;L x 36andrdquo;W x 42andrdquo;H and it works perfectly with a [More...]

Trends & Ideas : The Great French Macaron Hunt!

French Macarons have been all the rage since Martha Stewart announced to the world that they are the favor to end all favors. However, as most planners and brides do not have the time nor the inclination to attempt to create these fantastic confections in bulk, I decided to do what any good editor would do. I have hunted down the best options so that you wonandrsquo;t have to! With nothing but steely determination in my heart, a skim latte in one [More...]

Venues : 19th Century Elegance, 21st Century Attitude

When planning your special event, you rarely get an opportunity to pick a andquot;hipandquot; place. You have your standard spaces that can accommodate your guest count, some that are closer to where you live, and others that hold a special meaning to your occasion or guest(s) of honor. Enter, The Foundry...This 19th century Foundry is true to it's name, with ivies growing on the brick exterior, visible chimneys, hidden nooks andamp; even the cau [More...]

Food and Catering : From Crazy and Creative, to Cool and Classic... Custom Cocktails Make a Colossal Comeback in 2009. Say That 10 Times Fast.

andnbsp;Long gone are the days of bottled mixers and canned cherries. Todayandrsquo;s planners are looking for the freshest of ingredients paired with the highest quality alcohol for their events!Plain old bartenders and their soda guns are so 2008. For the 2009-2010 event season, Bar Chefs are the latest craze! These mixologists are known to spend more time in the kitchen preparing fresh juices, organic ingredients, edible flowers and flavorful [More...]

5 mins with : Five Minutes With Craig Goldstein of E Squared Concepts!

On one hand, there are event planners who throw andlsquo;nice partiesandrsquo;andhellip; and on the other hand there is Craig Goldstein.andnbsp; The young founder of E Squared Concepts is developing quite a reputation for transporting guests to a completely different world when they step into one of his (usually exclusive) fandecirc;tes. With a penchant for all things fabulous, Craig is pushing the limits of standard event production. His style i [More...]

Venues : Dinner and a show

Let me clarify the title: Dinner andamp; a andquot;Showandquot; means dinner with a fabulous view that just watching the people andamp; the activities transpiring below are enough to captivate you. Thatandrsquo;s just what you see OUTSIDE from the wrap around terraces andamp; glass windows INSIDE. The inside is warm andamp; inviting with its hard wood floors, high ceilings andamp; rich wood accents. Each room boasts itandrsquo;s own identity with [More...]

Cutting Edge : Tabletops are not just for florals

When you think andquot;tabletopandquot;, what's the first thing that comes to your mind? Is it centerpieces? Is it menu card placement with your china? What your family style bowls look like? Sure all of thes contribute to a fabulous tabletop design, but what about the LINENS??Cloth Connection is a nationwide specialty linen rental provider (try saying that 3 times fast)! From table linens, chair covers, chair sashes, ties, napkins andamp; access [More...]

Cutting Edge : Tiny Store, Big Heart

andquot;Designerandquot; andamp; andquot;Floristandquot; titles have been interchangeable through the industry. One could be someone that just designs florals, while the other designs the event andamp; incorporates them in their florals. Either way, it takes a lot of patience andamp; a lot of heart to see your overall vision set to reality.Studio Arts Florist does just that. This tiny, tiny, floral shop nestled below the LIRR at the Forest Hills [More...]

Trends & Ideas : You Are Cordially Invited to Join the Ranks of the Eco-Chic...

In a world that has been taken over by evites, emails, tweets, and text messages that read, andldquo;Thx 4 the fan-c grub! Ur da best. C U l8r. xoxoxandrdquo;, receiving a hand written note or a lovely event invitation in your mailbox can feel like an extraordinary treat. That is until the first commercial break on Greyandrsquo;s Anatomy. Suddenly, you find yourself hysterically sobbing to the sound of Noah Wylieandrsquo;s voice as he reminds you [More...]

Home Page : Reconstruct This!

There are stylish andlsquo;happeningsandrsquo; all over the city during Fashion Week in New York, but this go around, one of the most interesting events allowed attendees to actually glimpse behind the curtain and see the powerful wizards at work. Louis Vuitton and Parsons School of Design turned their Storefront Gallery into Fifth Avenueandrsquo;s real time version of andldquo;the show that used to be taped at the school but headed westandrdquo; [More...]

Trends & Ideas : Look For A Sign!

In a world where branding is everything, and your logo took more time to create than the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, strategic placement and perfectly designed display are of the utmost importance. So, who to trust with your event signage needs? From award show producers to corporate sponsors to incredibly picky retail events teams, event professionals across the country are pointing their fingers in the direction of Jason De Soto from DL Imag [More...]

Trends & Ideas : Meet the Goodie Bag Guru- Jane Ubell-Meyer

How lucky am I?? I had the good fortune of catching Jane Ubell-Meyer while she was taking a short break from her incredibly busy day. Even more fortunate for me, she graciously decided to use that time to fill me in on what she is currently up to!For theandnbsp;five people out there who donandrsquo;t know, Jane Ubell-Meyer is the founder and CEO of Madison andamp; Mulholland, one of the most exclusive celebrity gifting firms in the industry. In f [More...]

Entertainment : Jain Sounds

Red Baraat Marching Band is one of the coolest (if not THE coolest) addition to your baraat. A young, hip, vibrant group of musicians, bring you the flavor of old time India all for your dancing pleasure. You can request a specific song list or simply let them play what their heart desire's. The end result is the same - a very enthusiastic procession that won't want to end.

From The Experts : Someday we'll find it, the Rainbow Connection... and when we do, let's try not to all pick the same color

There is nothing more disheartening than finally noticing a color scheme that makes you swoon, only to find out that every bride, corporate planner and design firm on the sphere are planning on using the same hues for their event that season. This, my friends, is called trend.Now I know that the event industry is based on trend, and ordinarily I would tell you that the things that are popular, are popular for a reason. In this one instance howeve [More...]

Trends & Ideas : The Favored Favor!

For the stylish vegan or raw foodie, the options for high quality gourmet favors are limited. Well ladies and gents, I believe that I may have found a solution to your animal byproduct free, below 104 degree, dilemma: The ONE Bar!Created by raw food guru Gabrielle Brick, The ONE Bar uses Arriba Nacional, one of the most superior cacao beans on the market, in combination with masterful culinary techniques that keep the chocolate raw, vegan, low gl [More...]

From The Experts : Be Our Guest!

More and more of the weddings I've been involved with planning have a high number of Out of Town Guests in attendance.andnbsp; One of the latest trends in the industry is to offer your guest a little Out of Town Guest Bag to welcome them to the area and to say thank you for attending.In addition, the welcome bag can play a key role in communicating the wedding related activities for the weekend (if multiple events) or for the night.andnbsp; I'm o [More...]

Food and Catering : Sylvia Weinstock Cakes

What can be said about a Sylvia Weinstock cake that no one has heard before?You'll say they are delicious, breathtaking and truly deserving of being knownas "the Leonardo da Vinci of Cakes" and the classic stamp of the large blackgoggles on every cake she creates. What sets Mrs. Weinstock apart is thedelicious fillings which compliments your dinner...flavors like pistachio,pomegranate, rose water, among others you may not have t [More...]

From The Experts : Excellent Find

My very good friend and fellow Philadelphia Wedding Planner, Meredith Sellers Tomasulo of Elegant Engagements shared a find with me that I couldn WAIT to share!If you have considered creating the hanging votive tree for your centerpieces, entrance table or ANYWHERE else in your reception space, boy will you be relieved! Ballard Designs, which I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE is offering a Twig Votive Tree for a steal price of $60, that is a close replica to i [More...]

From The Experts : THE fine Print

In planning a Wedding you will be exposed to upwards of 20 Vendor Contracts of some sort. One of the things which never cease to amaze me is that many couples do not read the fine print. As a Consultant, once a Client signs with me, the first item on my to do list is to review any Contracts which they have signed to date.This allows me to become familiar with the Vendors theyandrsquo;ve selected and the expectations they have from the particula [More...]

From The Experts : Tip of the Day

Reminder: Before you print your programs please have your officiant, priest or minister review it. He or She will make sure the order is correct. I would hate to have 200 beautiful tied programs that had wrong information....Meredith S. Tomasulo founded Elegant Engagements, a full service wedding and special event planning company, in April of 2000. While working in a bridal boutique for over a year Meredith got a chance to see first hand what b [More...]

From The Experts : RaceVine.com - Learn More About Running

This is an attractive site you are going to be benefited with in order to get information about running. Racevine can be accurately described as an online service that was developed with the intention to provide users with the chance to make use of an effective service that will help them to find and review a wide assortment of interesting elements to share everything they want about their races.In case you want to make use of one of the first ma [More...]

Home Page : RP Report Invites Event Vendors and Consumers to its New Online Magazine and Resource Database

RPReport.com celebrates its debut this month with an array of search features and material to help consumers plan their ideal event online. Since its inception in January 2009, RPReport.com has established one of the largest online, searchable event resource and vendor databases. The site's vast network now includes more than 100,000 vendors, enhanced by content provided by the vendor. RPReport.com continues to build its vendor network daily and [More...]

From The Experts : Wedding Cinematography by Dream Images

Dream Images is the company to use if you are looking for a wedding cinematographer. They shoot their movies in HD with a steady cam andamp; what makes these images truly dreamy is the style in which it is captured. It could be all candid, documentary style, My Super Sweet 16 style or a classic black andamp; white, among others, to make this a truly unique art form. Bruce follows you around with his steady cam like a true paparazzi giving you the [More...]

From The Experts : BnB Photography

Artistic, friendly, candid andamp; stylish. These are just a few words for me to describe Amar's work at BnB Photography. Although he does some traditional shots, his favorites, which of course become the couple's favorites, are the candid, artistic shots. When seeing his final product, you always ask yourself andquot;where were you standing when you caught that?andquot; using cutting edge technology to shot your big day andamp; produce a flawles [More...]

Food and Catering : Cakes by Mona, New York

CBMNY, as it's affectionately known, has a wide assortment of fun flavors andamp; dreamy cut-out cakes. If you can think of it, they can make it. Whether it be a peacock colored cake w/ actual feathers for an inspired wedding theme or a Fendi bag cut out cake for the bridal shower, Mona will make it happen.

Trends & Ideas : NYC CIGAR COMPANY

Do you have a special event coming up that would require connoisseurs to roll your cigars for your guests? NYC Cigar Company has a variety of flavors including vanilla, chocolate, apple martini, cognac andamp; many others. All are rolled on site by gentleman that know their cigars! They will cut it, light it andamp; even store it for you should you want to smoke later. They also have a private room in their lounge in East Chester for those andquo [More...]

Cutting Edge : House of Dipali

If you're looking for traditional or modern dandeacute;cor to accent your event, Dipali offers everything from mandaps, reception backdrops, accessories andamp; invitations. With a friendly staff andamp; great prices, you will always get what you need for your wedding.House Of Dipali Inc. is one of the largest manufacturers, importers and distributors of all kinds of Indian Handicrafts, Artifacts, religious articles, Swing Sets, Temples and all k [More...]

Cutting Edge : Ice Sculpture Designs

Looking for something "cool" at your special event? How about an icesculpture or better yet, how about an ice bar with your custom monogramsiced into the bar? You can even have a custom luge that all guests can enjoywatching their drinks pour from ice cold into their glass. With many designsand the enthusiasm to create whatever your heart desires, this is definitelythe choice to wow your guests.

Cutting Edge : Always a Bridesmaid

Specializing in raw-space design, Xochitl (pronounced "Socheel") Gonzalez and Mayra Castillo have five years of experience putting together personalized weddings, often held in loft spaces such as Ramscale Studios in the Village. Typically working with clients from creative industries, the duo helps couples showcase their individuality. A basic package costs $9,000; more comprehensive coverage is $15,000; and for couples who need limited help, $1 [More...]

Home Page : Mayla Designs

Mayla designs offer a unique hybrid of South Asian andamp; Western invitations. The customer service is unlike any you'll experience from someone back andquot;homeandquot; andamp; the quality is outstanding. For those that do not have the time to go to India or Pakistan for their wedding shopping andamp; get invitations, you have the next best thing in New Jersey!

From The Experts : What First?

While everyone who starts an exercise program can benefit from some guidance, experts say that when it comes to bridal fitness, it's imperative to get the extra help, whether via a personal trainer or a DVD program WHYFirst, you're working with a time element, so you want to make sure you get the most out of your workouts, and that means making sure you're doing them right,Equally important, is that you want to make sure you're selecting the righ [More...]

From The Experts : Get With the Program

But whether you're the bride, bridesmaid, or mother of the bride how much can you really change before the big event? Experts say that depends on how much time you have, and how much you want to accomplish. andquot;Obviously, the more time you have, the more you can change. But also, the more time you have, the less stressful it will be to accomplish those changes, simply because you don't have to work at such a high intensity level. As such the [More...]

From The Experts : Getting the Look That Lasts

Regardless of what areas you want to andquot;fix,andquot; experts say that the one area every bride and bridesmaid should pay attention to is her posture. It's the quickest way to enhance your overall look. Where do you start? it's with exercises to strengthen the quadriceps -- those upper thigh muscles that will help you to andquot;stand tall in new shoes for an extended period of time,andquot; she says. Wrightington advocates exercises to build [More...]

Home Page : The Original Runner Company

For many brides, the walk down the aisle is the most special part of the wedding. She's accompanied by her family, she's surrounded by her dear friends andamp; she's looking over at her partner for life andamp; can't wait to walk to his side. Having your monogram or special saying in custom colors on the very runner that leads you from single woman to married woman is what makes the Original Runner Company so andquot;originalandquot;.

From The Experts : Is There Anywhere More Romantic?

No matter how small or large the wedding, marrying in New York is unavoidably grand. The city itselfandmdash;the majesty of the skyline, the iconic beauty of the old museums, libraries, hotels, bridgesandmdash;provides a backdrop worthy of the silver screen. Itandrsquo;s no surprise that the Empire State Building is one of the most traveled-to spots in the world to pop the question. (Sounds touristy to locals, but try telling that to the woman 86 [More...]

Venues : Be Original Without Spending a Fortune

Little known fact: It costs $25 to get married in Central Park. Permits can be obtained about a month in advance, which sure beats the average six-to-twelve-month lead time necessary to book most New York City venuesandmdash;ceremony sites included. The allowed size of your guest list depends on the location, and with the exception of the Conservatory Gardens, nearly every area of the park is permit-able (however, you cannot set up a tent and onl [More...]

Venues : Venues Beyond the Banquet Hall

Hundreds of interesting venues, wedding singers with careers beyond andldquo;Mony Mony,andrdquo; very cool registries, a cinematic backdrop for every photo, and more.Deciding where to have a wedding in New York City makes for an excellent game of andldquo;eeny, meany, miney, moe.andrdquo; Itandrsquo;s not just the abundance that makes venue-hunting so exciting, but also the variety: secret rooftop oases, industrial lofts, botanical gardens, histo [More...]

Entertainment : Decoding the Slumdog Millionaire Backlash

As the first two thirds of Slumdog Millionaire make clear, the slum-dwelling beggars of overcrowded Mumbai lead no easy life. But if violence, hunger, and substandard living conditions weren't already enough to contend with, the movie's ten Oscar nominations have them dealing with an additional scourge: pushy journalists who won't stop asking them what they think of Slumdog Millionaire.Probably spurred by reports of protests and even a lawsuit st [More...]

Food and Catering : Masala Bollywood

When it replaced Curry Hill stalwart Annapurna in 2006, Masala Bollywood broke the mold with slick furnishings, giant photo-murals of Indian film stars, and a huge flat-screen TV broadcasting Bollywood musicals. The Vyas family, which also owns kosher vegetarian Madras Mahal and Indian-wrap joint Roomali, wisely grounded the tricked-out room with reasonable prices, generous portions, and warm service.

From The Experts : Six Great Ideas

1. Bypass boring paper goods. The party starts in the mailbox! Set the tone with a fun save-the-date, like goofy-cute photo booth shots. andquot;Either visit a photo booth or take digital pictures and we'll make them look like they were taken in one,andquot; says Nicole Michels, of stationer Bird and Banner ($1,500 for 100 from Bird and Banner; 215-285-8055; birdandbanner.com). Even a more traditional idea can look new. Rebecca Schmidt-Ruebensaal [More...]

Food and Catering : A Tiny Take on Cupcakes

Here's a new twist on a trend that just won't go away: bite-size cupcakes no bigger than a quarter. Melissa Bushell recently launched Baked By Melissa, which specializes in the tiny confections, saying that the miniature size allows guests to sample more flavors. The cupcakes are made with fillings like cookies and cream or peanut butter and jelly flavors, or come unfilled in varieties like red velvet or tie-dye, which has a swirl of rainbow sher [More...]

Venues : Long Island's Aquarium: Atlantis Marine World.

Located on Main Street in Riverhead, along the Peconic River, Atlantis Marine World is Long Islandandrsquo;s full-scale Aquarium. Themed around the andldquo;Lost City of Atlantis,andrdquo; Atlantis Marine World blends science and nature with myth to create an informative and entertaining environment for visitors of all ages. We offer a rich variety of experiences, from fascinating marine life exhibits to Aquatic Adventures and educational program [More...]

Food and Catering : Catering to the 5 senses

Over the last 26 years, Andrews has built a reputation for unique and distinctive catered events, with an emphasis on the highest quality food and service.andnbsp; Andrews is named for Executive Chef Andrew Whitcomb , whose innovativeandnbsp; culinary creations have won awards and kudos from a long list of clients including well-known celebrities and Long Island's social elite. Andrews began as Whitsons Fabulous Foods, a division of Whitsons, the [More...]

Home Page : Couples' big-day budgets smaller

Weddings are expensive. The country's in a recession. Sarah Baker knows this. But the budget-minded bride isn't letting a cloudy economy rain on her big event, a major life milestone that costs an average of nearly $28,000 for American couples, according to a 2008 survey by the Knot Wedding Network. andquot;It's kind of a sham,andquot; said Baker, a 24-year-old state employee browsing wedding booths yesterday at Columbus Bride magazine's annual [More...]

Food and Catering : Baked by Melissa Stuffed Mini Cupcakes

It's happened to you! You wander into a sweet smelling bakery thinking maybe you'll order something. But when that door shuts behind you, you suddenly need to taste everything in sight! For Melissa Bushell, this moment was the inspiration behind Backed By Melissa. - Create a line of miniature stuffed cupcakes so desert lovers can taste more flavors, without the post dessert guilt trip.

Food and Catering : Luxurious Desserts From Fruits Everyone Adores - January 9th to March 1st

For Winter of 2008, Luxee creates desserts from familiar fruits: apple,banana and strawberry.The highlights is andquot;Banana Imperialandquot; a match of caramelized black peppered banana with three different cakes and banana ice cream. The strawberry dessert is andquot;Strawberry Tambourineandquot; a circular mille-feuille with pear-thyme sorbet, cranberry sauce, and vanilla ice cream.The third, andquot;Cirque de Pommeandquot; is a vegan dessert [More...]

Cutting Edge : Lighting And Event Design by Frost

The combination of computerized lighting instruments and digital media projections make it possible to now design special events around the lighting. In the past lighting was often the last detail to be considered in the planning of an event. Now the best event designers realize that digital lighting projections are the frontier of event design. Frost is a leader in this approach to event design.A profound change in event lighting design began 20 [More...]

Venues : The South-Shore Country Club

Tucked away in a pristine golf course, South Shore Country Club is an unexpected oasis of calm within a bustling urban area. Towering trees gracefully frame the long, winding drive to the clubhouse perched high on a hill overlooking the vista below. This secluded natural setting provides a picturesque stage for brides and grooms who treasure the unique oneof- a-kind photographs captured in this gentle landscape.South Shore Country Club, nestled w [More...]

Venues : NYIT DE Seversky Center

Have your wedding at one of the most elegant, romantic settings on Long Islandandrsquo;s Gold Coast. As soon as you and your guests approach the historic early 20th-century mansion and grounds, you will begin to realize the wonderful experience that awaits. Carefully manicured lawns and gardens, a graceful curved loggia, beautiful verandas, distinguished marble urns and statuary, and unique European linden trees herald your arrival and provide id [More...]

From The Experts : Eat | Drink | Save Money

Restaurant.com serves as the community matchmaker, introducing great restaurants to great people. From appetizers to dessert, from wine to dinner, Restaurant.com helps restaurant owners promote the new and unique aspects of their restaurants while providing diners with great value in a fun, new and cost effective way. Your favorite restaurant is in your neighborhood andndash; maybe you just don't know it yet. Restaurant.com is here to help.Dining [More...]

From The Experts : Lose Weight for Your Wedding with the Bridal Bootcamp Online Diet Program

It used to be that getting ready to walk down the aisle meant finding the perfect dress, the best hair stylist, and the right makeup. But today's brides -- and their bridesmaids -- have added another andquot;must doandquot; before the andquot;I dosandquot;: Getting in the best shape of their lives!andnbsp;andnbsp;And it can have an effect that lasts long past the honeymoon bikini. For many women, becoming a buff bride (or bridesmaid) kick-st [More...]

Venues : A Rare Menu on the South Shore: Diya Lounge andnbsp; andnbsp;

andlsquo;Diyaandrsquo; is a unique concept entered the South Shore of Nassau County- Village of Valley Stream retail restaurant and Banquet Hall market. The premises feature's a bar, a dining hall and a banquet hall for personal and business functions.The dining hall feature's a full buffet lunch and full size menu for dinner.andnbsp; The market for Indian food has been growing strongly for the past few years and now appears ready to enter a new, [More...]

Food and Catering : A Unique Culinary Experience of the Wide Variety of Exotic Indian Cuisine

India, known not only for its splendid scenic beauty but also for its rich food which includes tandooris, kormas, shorbas and curries and to reflect the true India we present to you the culinary heritage of India. Heritage Indian cuisine is one such step to serve you authentic Indian cuisine with a perfect ambience, traditional Indian dandeacute;cor, art and music which makes India what it is unforgettable.andnbsp; The Heritage of India is the d [More...]

From The Experts : Jewelery For The Indian Bride

Jewelry is of great importance in Indian wedding. Wedding jewelry and Bridal jewelry is an important aspect in any Indian women's life. Be it a necklace set, or a pendant set, bangles, rings, bracelets or earrings, jewelry is a very important part of Indian wedding. Jewelry can be of gold, silver, diamond or platinum depending on your budget and taste.If your budget is high than you can go for desig [More...]

From The Experts : Hair Stiyles For The Indian Bride

Today's Indian bride are very much conscious about her look. They want a balanced look with proper hairstyle, make-up and dress. At the same time they also don't want something overdone. Nowadays different kinds of hairstyles are done in the beauty parlors. Depending on the personality, height, face structure you can select a particular hairstyle for you. Hair coloring is now in vogue. New trend for [More...]

From The Experts : The Indian Bride - Tips For Hair Care

Beforere your wedding day you are so busy with all the activities that you tend to forget various things. It is easy to neglect a proper diet and adequate hair care. It is true that good hair is hereditary. But if you take proper diet and care of your hair you can give a new look that dull hair. The structure of hair is like that of the scales on the skin of a fish. Smoother overlapping and unspoiled [More...]

Entertainment : What is StageBuddy.com?

StageBuddy.com is a completely FREE way to find out what LIVE SHOWS are playing around New York including Theatre, Comedy, Dance, Music and more,videos of the shows before you go! andnbsp; StageBuddy's unique interface give you more information than you can find elsewhere, including full synopses, cast andamp; crew, pictures and evenBetter yet: StageBuddy is completely Web 2.0 open source, meaning: User driven - we don't control the content - yo [More...]