Last Night's "Girls Night In" Event

Last night was my first 'Girls' Night In' and I'll be attending the next one. It was great! 'Girl's Night In' was an evening of mingling, drinking (last night's sangria's were fabulous by the way), and nibbling with other fantastic ladies. Think of it as un-“network”y, networking event at the Union Square Ballroom while listening to live music by Elan Artists.

Who comes to Girls’ Night? Ladies of all ages, from all kinds of careers and backgrounds who
share some things in common- they are sucessful, interesting and amazing at what they do!
We traded ideas and business cards, caught up with old colleagues and met new friends. And a percentage of the proceeds collected at the door went to the Lower East Side Girls Club organizaiton. Thank you Xochitl and Mayra of Always a Bridesmaid for organizing this fabulous event. Networking and social awareness make a wonderful combination.

Looking forward to the next 'Girls Night Out!"

Inspiration Board - Gold Fantasy Wedding

Gold Fantasy - by Simply Dazzling Events on Polyvore.com

Colin Cowie Entertains

ENTERTAINING: A late evening supper
By Colin Cowie on March 27, 2009

NEW YORK (Colin Cowie @ Herald de Paris) - A friend that I hadn’t seen in almost two years sent me an email hoping she and her husband could get together for dinner. We set the date, rescheduled at least twice, and finally made it happen after much back and forth coordinating calendars. I invited a few other friends I hadn’t seen in a while to join us, and when we got together it was as if no time had passed at all. So much had happened in our lives since our last dinner we shared, and the nice thing about being with friends is that we picked up right where we left off. It was as if we had seen one another the day before. The table was filled with non-stop laughter and we squeezed two year’s worth of stories into one evening. The wine flowed much too late that night, and being a weekend evening, I doubt any of us where operating at full speed the next day, but it was well worth the aspirin or two for A.M. peace of mind! It was a magical evening I’ll cherish, and the moments we shared together reaffirmed how important it is to take the time and make the effort to stay in touch with the people we love and not let relationships fade. It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives without realizing how much we miss a casual, no agenda evening with good friends.

Since it was a Friday night and my workweek schedule had been crazy, to say the least, I wanted to make it as easy on myself as possible. The night before, I set the table, did the flowers, planned my menu, and ordered everything online with FreshDirect. All that was left for me to do was the cooking and cleaning. I always clean as I go so at the end of the night I’m not stuck in the kitchen scraping pots and pans until sunrise three days later. Entertaining isn’t easy, but it’s well worth the effort. It’s something I love to do and squeeze it in whenever I can.

For more Colin Cowie Lifestyle, please visit the website at: http://www.colincowie.com/.
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I agree with Colin. We must make time to catch up with friends and not let relationships fade. It's well worth it. Life's too short. Don't let it pass you by. Make a commitment to nurture friendships and family relationships!


One of the readers of this blog alerted me to this post and it definitely needs to be shared. Thank you Jes!

Candy Friday - Hip Accessory - The Clutch

I love a clutch purse and this one is a super hip accessory, found on Etsy, is perfect for the reception or the after party.

Beautiful pleated ivory satin wristlet/clutch embellished with ivory feathers, velvet leaves & a sparkling crystal jewel piece. Zipper closure & a ring handle.
Bethany - Ivory Feather
Size: 4x11
price: $58

DIY - Preston Bailey's Giant Rose Centerpiece

I'm super excited to have found this YouTube video of Preston Bailey sharing a budget friendly, DIY tip on creating a giant flower centerpiece. You can create one per person or one to two per table. Get creative by giving thought to your container / vase for this project.

If you choose this DIY project for your wedding, let me know how this one turns out for you. I'm going to try this one for my next dinner party.

Eco-Friendly Wednesday - Reusable Bags for Kids

Are you making up goody bags for the kiddies that will be attending your wedding? Why not use an Envirosax as the actual bag to hold all their goodies? You'll be educating the next generation in the responsible re-use of bags. Envirosax Kids™ will help tomorrow's future move in the right direction. There is no quick fix to the problem of global warming, but a lot of small steps in the right direction will add up to one big step.

Kids are always lugging their favorite items to their friend's house, on shopping trips with mom and basically everywhere they go. The kids' Envirosax will make it easier for them to travel with their favorite stuff.

Envirosax reusable shopping bags. They’re lightweight, portable, waterproof and surprisingly roomy holds about double what you can fit in a standard plastic grocery bag. Plus, they look fantastic! What better way to spread the message of environmental sustainability than with a beautiful, eco-friendly product that you'll love using?

Envirosax Kid's Series - Baa Maa & Paa - $7.95

Envirosax Kid's Series - Piggy in the Middle - $7.95

Envirosax Kid's Series - Rusty - $7.95

Have you considered using a reusable bag as a favor bag for the kids attending your wedding? What eco-friendly ideas will you implement into your wedding day? Let me know by posting a comment.

Colin Cowie's Wedding Chic!

When you imagine your wedding, what do you see?

Maybe you dream of exchanging vows before an intimate gathering of family and friends at sunset, followed by a chic and elegant dinner under the stars in balmy weather. You can practically see yourself at the altar, taste the cuisine, smell the gardenias, and feel the music playing when you join your guests to party at the reception.


But before your wedding comes together with all the romance and glamour you’ve imagined, you’ll need to make decisions about the details. Is your color scheme bold and rich or soft and ethereal? Will you be married in your mother’s garden at the end of a serpentine path or on an exotic beach with the ocean crashing in the background? Do you desire an elegant sit-down dinner or a fabulous cocktail party with a great DJ who keeps the party going late into the night?


With so many choices, it can be hard to decide where to begin. Now there’s no reason to get overwhelmed, because wedding designer extraordinaire Colin Cowie is by your side every step of the way. In Colin Cowie Wedding Chic, he shows how to weave a thread of style throughout your celebration, from determining the overall feeling and mood to the smallest and most personal details of the event.


Following inspirational introductions from Colin about every part of your celebration, each detail is captured with magnificent photographs: bouquets; ceremony décor; centerpieces; reception décor; food and drink; cakes; invitations, favors, and gifts; appearance for the bride, groom, and attendants; ritual and ceremony; and music and after-party.


Brimming with the kind of style that has made Colin the number one wedding planner in the world for celebrities, heads of state, and even royals, Wedding Chic finally gathers all of the options in one dazzling, easy-to-reference place. With photographs of more than 1,001 gorgeous details, it is simply the most comprehensive, varied, and beautiful resource a bride-to-be could ever wish for—one that is certain to make the wedding a celebration to remember forever.


Lifestyle expert COLIN COWIE is known around the world for creating gorgeous, unique, and personal events that radiate glamour and elegance. He appears regularly on national television shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and The Early Show. He is a frequent contributor to InStyle and O, the Oprah Magazine. Born in Zambia and raised in South Africa, Colin now resides in New York.
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Colin's literary publicist was nice enough to send me a copy for review and I feel it is a valuable inspirational reference guide for any bride or event professional. The book is loaded with beautiful images, descriptions and explanations. Colin, himself. is an inspiration and his book delivers that and more.

Have you read this book? What do you think? Post a comment and let me know.

Inspiration Board - Pink Blushing Bride

Pink is an all time favorite amongst us girls. Here is some blushing bride inspiration for the pink in you!

Blushing Bride - by rhedesign (Bored) on Polyvore.com

Candy Friday - Funklab - We've Found the Australian Andy Warhol

Love someone? Declare it to the world in the form of art by Funklab. Heck, you can even request a little facelift if you want to be "tweaked" in any way.

This design allows you to also have a background of handwriting in any text you like. You can choose the lyrics to your favourite song/s, poetry, or even marriage vows. Basically, Funklab can add any text you like.You decide which colours you would like to try or you can leave it up to Funklab. Either way Funklab will send you a few options to choose from.

You can use your favorite honeymoon picture to creat an original piece of artwork as a gift to yourself or someone special. I'm going to have images made up of my children for their playroom!

Have you found an interesting and personalized service that puts a twist on art to your specifications? Let me know. I'm always looking for unique items for my readers! Post a comment!

DIY - Chopsticks & Fortune Cookies as Favors

This DIY gift package would make a nice favor or parting gift and includes a set of bamboo chopsticks and a paper fortune cookie. A simple, inexpensive and unique gift!

This project is super easy. Here are the details so you can make one yourself...

Materials:
Origami, Scrapbook, or Colored Paper for fortune cookie and tab top
White Paper for fortune saying - 3/4"W x 4"L
Chopsticks (I got mine at Daiso... 12 sets for a $1.50... or try the dollar store)
Faux Floral sprigs
Ribbon
Glue Dots
Green floral tape
Biodegradable Clear Bag - approx size 4.25"W x 9.75"H

Instructions:
1) Make paper fortune cookie. Great instructions here. You can use a CD spindle to trace a circle, and glue dots to keep the cookie closed. Insert fortune saying.

2) Assemble chopsticks.Take a floral sprig and center it over the pair of chopsticks. Wrap floral tape snuggly around both. Finish with a nice ribbon bow.

3) Insert into clear bag. Slide in the fortune cookie first. Use chopsticks to push into place. Slide in the chopsticks at an angle. Cut a folded rectangle to fit over the bag opening like a clamshell. Staple to seal bag. You can write "Thank You" or a Name/Note on the tab.

4) Give to someone special!

Post courtesy of LotusHaus.

If you give this DIY project a try, let me know how it turns out.

Eco-Friendly - CityShopper Shopping Bags

Okay, at first you might say to yourself, "Shopping Bags?" Stop right there because you simply my see these lovely and price friendly, reusable shopping bags. A perfect gift for the green bride's bridesmaids or for anyone (even yourself) for that matter.

These bags are by Reisenthel. Reisenthel products have been awarded numerous design awards, including the prestigious international “red dot design” & Design Plus awards. The 30+ year old German company makes fashionable, durable products in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
This style is called the CityShopper XL and costs $22.99.
Have you ever received a reusable bag as a wedding gift? What was your first thought when you first saw it? Would you consider giving a reusable bag as a wedding gift? Let me know your thoughts and post a comment.

Monique L'huillier Personal Appearance at Bergdorf Goodman Bridal

For all you Monique L'huillier fans, she's having a bridal event in New York City at Bergdorf Goodman. On Wednesday, gown designer Monique L'huillier will be making her first personal bridal appearance in five years at Bergdorf Goodman.

Bergdorf is a wonderful place to search for wedding gowns or to simply browse to see what is the going trend for the current season. Bridal events like this have a glamorous feel about them. They have that 'traditional private fashion show at a French or Italian couture house' feeling.

Even if Bergdorf is off limits for your budget, it can still serve as an education in recognizing value when you find a great deal. Go to these events see the gowns, touch them, try them on and speak to the designers. Learn, learn, learn so that when you find the dress of your dreams you are confident that you got a well made dress at the best price - quality and value all wrapped into one gown!

Ms. L'huillier will introduce her Platinum Collection and four bridal gowns she has designed exclusively for Bergdorf Goodman. She isn't the only designer making personal appearances at bridal events. Be sure to check in with bridal salons in your area for trunk show schedules for your favorite designers.



If any of you ladies make it to this event, send me your thoughts. A review if you will. I'd love to know and so would my blog readers!

Inspiration - White & Silver Wedding

My very first inspiration board created from scratch.

White & Silver - by Simply Dazzling Events on Polyvore.com

How did I do? Let me know your thoughts on this board. Have you got an inspiration board you'd like to share. Let me know. Post a comment.

Candy Friday - Bella Umbrella - Bridal Bouquet Alternative

As a soon to be bride and floral designer, Jodell wanted to do something distinctive instead of renting a traditional white tent for her outdoor wedding ceremony. She procured 75 vintage umbrellas for her guests in the event there were showers on her wedding day. Each guest would be offered a beautiful umbrella from the 1920' s-1940. Later the umbrellas would create a brilliant backdrop to the happy day. It was the beginning of a beautiful marriage in more ways than one.

Continuing to collect umbrellas, Jodell launched the Bella Umbrella website in 2001. Her personal collection of 100 vintage umbrellas was now available for rent to brides all over the world. Since then Jodell has designed and developed two unique umbrella collections; Vintage Bella and Signature Bella as well as inventing and patenting the Bixi; an adaptor that quickly converts a Signature Bella umbrella handle into a stunning bouquet holder.

Bella Umbrella vintage umbrellas can be rented for $10 to $30 each depending on the umbrellas selected. This is a budget friendly alternative to the traditional bridal bouquet and looks wonderful in pictures.

Have you considered using a vintage umbrella or other item in lieu of a floral bouquet for your wedding? What do you think of this as a budget friendly alternative? Post a comment with your thoughts on this.

DIY - Bling on the Centerpieces

Here’s a pretty and budget friendly project for a table centerpiece. Add a little sparkle to your wedding day and create a dazzling floral centerpiece using glass, some beads, and fresh flowers. Take this initial idea and make it your own. These vases can be customized to any size, shape, and color. These vases make fantastic centerpieces for weddings, showers, and other celebratory occasions. Or just make one for your own pleasure and enjoyment.

Measure and cut elastic thread to a length that will encircle glass, plus several inches to tie off. Thread first group of beads on elastic thread, test for fit and tie off. Now you can pre-cut a number of pieces of thread and continue threading until vase is completely covered.

Fill vase two-thirds full with water and floral preservative. Cut stems of flowers (lisianthus are used here) to correct length so that the flowers sit just at the top of the rim of the glass. Continue until the vase is full.

This post courtesy of Julie Mulligan, floral and lifestyle expert.

Would you create these for your wedding or special occasion? Have you tried this idea? Let us know your thoughts by posting a comment.

Eco-Friendly Wednesday - Eco Chameleon Wedding Gown

The Chameleon Wedding Gown, by Isadora Clothing, in organic cotton/bamboo jersey or organic cotton/soy jersey is the perfect dress for today's eco-conscious Bride. Based on the Isadora Clothing design of the Chameleon II dress, this versatile piece can be worn in multiple different ways depending on how you wrap twist and tie it!

The variations include short sleeved, halter, twisted strap ( Grecian Goddess) and strapless. Constructed from Organic Cotton, Bamboo and spandex jersey in a beautiful soft off white. Fully lined skirt and self lined bodice. The gown comes with a complimentary tube top in the same color to allow for more coverage of the back, if desired, and more style variations.

The versatility of the Chameleon Design means that you can enjoy your dress long after your Wedding Day. Have your dress hemmed and professionally dyed to the color of your choice and you have converted your dress into the Chameleon II- a perfect addition your every day wardrobe.

by Isadora Clothing

Price: $360

Sizes:

Small- fits dress sizes 0-6 US

Med- fits dress sizes 8-12 US

Lrg- fits dress sizes 14-16 US

Length is customized to your needs.

I love this versatile gown. So many options and for the right price. What do you think of this gown? If you're in the market for a wedding gown, would you consider this one? If you're married, would you have considered this option when you were shopping for your wedding dress? Let us know your thoughts on this gown by posting a comment.

David's Bridal Says "I Do" to NYC!

On March 5, 2009, David's Bridal opened their first store in New York City. Located the heart of Manhattan’s Flat Iron district, 751 Sixth Avenue, West side, between 24th and 25th Streets. Cindy Payne, SVP of Stores for David’s Bridal and New York City Commissioner Robert Walsh were present to take part in ribbon cutting ceremony signifying the noteworthy arrival.

According to the annual “What’s on Brides’ Minds” survey, conducted by Infosurv, Inc. for David’s Bridal, three-quarters (75%) of brides-to-be admit that they will have to make adjustments to their wedding budget as a result of the economic climate. About one quarter plan to cut their budget in half and one in ten said their budget had dropped more than 75%. Amidst troubling economic times, a wedding is still the most important day in a couple’s life. David’s is proud to offer beautiful bridal gowns at exceptional value, so that brides can stay within their budget, without compromising quality or style.

David's extensive selection of elegant bridal gowns ranges in price from $299 to $1,200 – including designer gowns from Oleg Cassini and Galina Signature – making luxury affordable, a welcome option in today’s economy. The company also offers a wide selection of fashionable, yet affordable, bridal party attire, accessories, special occasion and prom attire, ensuring every woman looks her best, no matter what her event or budget. New York City's own David's Bridal is certainly worth a visit!

Have you been to the New York City David's Bridal shop? If so, let us know your thoughts by posting a comment.

We've Won the Wedding Blog Award!

That's right, the Simply Dazzling Events blog has won been awarded the Wedding Blog Award for Most Inspiring Blog. Here's what the folks over at Wedding Blog Awards had to say about our blog:

"We decided to give Stella our most inspiring blog award although it was a toss up between inspiring and comprehensive. We went with inspiring because I love all the DIY stuff she throws into her blog. Brides love being able to take a little more ownership of their special day and taking on a few fun DIY projects, and Simply Dazzling Events has wonderfully inspiring ideas."

Thank you! I'm honored.

The Wedding Blog Awards are dedicated to finding and promoting valuable wedding blogs; be they bride blogs, groom blogs, or wedding vendor blogs. A great source worth an online visit:

Inspiration - Lime White & Black Wedding

Lime - White - Black - by Cotton Tail on Polyvore.com.

Have you created a beautiful inspiration that is certain to inspire? Email it to us as we'd love to post our reader's lovely creations. Also, let us know what you think about this inspiration board.

Candy Friday - Glass Case Gift

Something stylish, something timeless!

Keep your glasses and your bridesmaids glasses, sun glasses or prescription, protected in style. A great gift idea available at Etsy.com.



1/2 inch snap frame opening 8 inches along the bottom1 1/2 inches wide. Interfaced with batting for extra cushion. Cost: $20 Makes an ideal gift for any occassion!

Would do you think about this item? Thumbs up or thumbs down. Post a comment and to let us know!

DIY - Colorful Pearls & Centerpieces

To create a colorful centerpiece, fill a glass container or vase with polymer pearls. They expand into mini - marble like spheres when placed in water. User separately or mix colors in one vase to create a dazzling presentation.

Materials:

Glass vase

Polymer pearls

Water

Short branches

Three pillars, assorted heights

Round serving dish / tray

Three flower heads

Photo courtesy of ThingsFestive.

Eventology09 - Take your Wedding Biz to the Next Level

Although the early bird registration deadline has past, I am selling one ticket to this event at $150, which is the price I paid when I purchased it. I will not be able to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Feel free to email me at blog@simplydazzlingevents.com to purchase this ticket.

Information about Eventology09 is as follows:
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Are you ready to take your wedding business to the next level?
Are you looking for ways to leverage your brand and increase your company's reach?
Do you want your business to thrive regardless of the economy?

Eventology 2009 is an intimate, collaborative and intensive business conference designed especially for wedding planners brought to you by K Sherrie and Company. This conference will bring you real-life, applicable marketing and business information to use to enhance your wedding planning business.

Learn the science behind running a successful wedding business, as the reality is if you're not running a profitable business, it's just one big expensive hobby. The following topics will be presented by three renowned and cutting edge, international wedding planners at this unique conference:

Closing the Deal: Sales in the Wedding Industry
Meeting and Exceeding Your Clients Expectations
Marketing Your Wedding Business in Today's Society

When: Tuesday, April 7, 2009 to Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Where: Indianapolis, Indiana at the Omni Severin Hotel

Cost: Ensure your space is reserved by registering today! Early bird registration until 2/14/09, full payment of $150 for the entire conference (or $175 after 2/15/09) reserves your space. All major credit cards will be accepted via PayPal. All payments are non-refundable. Early Bird registration is $150 and includes networking event on Tuesday night and breakfast and lunch on Wednesday.

A select amount of rooms will be available at the Omni for the special Eventology rate of $115 tax per night.

This is an educational and networking opportunity not to be missed!
Check out the Eventology 2009 Blog for up-to-the-minute chats with the speakers and sponsors of this exciting conference.

A Wedding Workshop - Framboise Caterers

Something Old...Something New...
A Wedding Workshop
March 15th at Colony Hall

460 Brielle Avenue

Staten Island, NY 10314

718-448-4252
1pm - 4pm

Join Framboise Caterers for an afternoon of great wedding ideas, delicious food and festive cocktails. This event is complimentary but space is limited - so grab your friends and reserve your spot online today.

Framboise Catering, servicing Staten Island for over twenty years, is now home at Historic Colony Hall. Built in 1917 and surrounded by 327 acres of woodlands. Eleven huge Palladian windows encircled the Georgian-style ballroom which has a 35 foot arched ceiling.

Unlike other bridal shows, this one includes brief educational seminars geared to having the stylish wedding of your dreams. Seminars will touch upon topics such as Honeymoon Travel, Wedding Trends, Choosing Your Ring and How to Choose the Right Lighting & Music for your special day. Again, admission is complimentary so come on down for good food, cocktails and information worth its weight in gold!

And yes, I've tried Framboise Caterer's food. Trust me you won't be disappointed.

P.S. I had lunch with these guys yesterday and they are dolls. Totally service oriented and very professional. They've been around for a long time catering such fabulous gigs as the U.S. Open and even travelling with U.S. Olympic Athletes to China to cater their fabulous meals.

Inspiration - Pretty Purple

Purple is a colour that can either look great or garish so it's important to get it right. Purple was a hot colour on the catwalks of New York Fashion Week with Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta creating some masterful pieces in this gorgeous hue. More often than not it's best to opt for bits and pieces in purple rather than go the whole hog. Purple flower centerpieces can make a table look truly beautiful and teamed with purple bridesmaids dresses and pewter accessories it's a look worthy of a royal celebration.

Below Emilie Harrison, of http://www.styleguide.com.au/, created a Polyvore of purple pieces that may give you some hints on how to add this delightful colour to your wedding palette. They did a great story on purple called 'Moody Hues' on page 78 of issue 7 of Style Guide Magazine so click here http://www.styleguide.com.au/issue7/moodyhues.php to have a peek. The colour purple has never been so hip but be careful not to overload.

What do you think of this new purple trend? Are you using a purple palette for your wedding or do you know someone who is? Please share your thoughts and post a comment. We'd love to hear from you.