Breast Enhancements and Botox .... You Game?

Botox and Boobs.... You would think that someone would come up with a way to give a shot which causes one to have a breast lift! Now that would be great right? I have written so many articles on this subject as it's very popular now. Instead of sharing the weekend with your friends at a spa or in Mexico, you share the pain just to get beautified before the big day. I'm not against the idea. I think to each their own. So tell me, is it wrong to enhance before romance is the question??? What are your thoughts? Would you change something surgically before the big day? Ok. For those who say the money should go elsewhere.... Or just be happy with what you have... Let me pose this question, if someone offered you a FREE boob job or Botox treatment would you do it then? See the video below...You may have watched this on the news. I am not even sure when it aired to be honest! I've just received the copy!

New Press Late Release Sorry!

I have been REALLY behind with releasing press... Thought this may help with the jitters for those getting ready to tie the knot! Modern Bride Wedding Copycats??? I know several of you are always worried about others taking your ideas. Read on! http://www.brookeshowell.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/modernbride_weddingtheft.pdf Cosmopolitan Magazine! http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/relationships/small-weddings?src=rss Bridal Guide http://www.bridalguide.com/wedding-planning/article.cfm?aID=497 CBS TV http://wcbstv.com/seenon/bridal.botox.wedding.2.834959.html Lot's more advice on it's way! Happy Planning! SG

Engaged? Lost???

You're Engaged Now What? While getting engaged can be exciting it can also become very stressful if you do not have a "plan" while you are planning. There are a few important steps to take while planning your special day. The primary portions that need to be addressed are your budget, guest count, the date and location. Destination weddings are becoming more popular these days and it may be that your wedding is the destination for many. Giving your guests ample time to plan would be quite thoughtful and practical! The more flexible you are with dates and location, the likelihood of your finding something affordable and perfect for your special day will become apparent. If you decide to have your ceremony at a place of worship, park or sentimental location you may need to be flexible to ensure you have both the wedding and reception locations open on the same date. Some brides may find having both at the same location to be less stressful and financially in line depending on your budget. Speaking of budget, this is the largest most important part that determines what type of wedding you can have. While some would love to invite all family, every acquaintance and friend, the budget and location may not allow this. That is why it's crucial to make a preliminary list of guests prior to your visits. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a venue that only houses 160 and your guest list is at 200. Having to cut important people out after you have tempted your fancies with a venue can be both frustrating and not productive. This is the one area most people forget to focus on. The stress from this alone can cause you to run to the Justice of The Peace! Once you have completed this portion of the planning, you can then begin to choose the vendors that complete the affair such as photography, video, entertainment and floral. Remember not to put the horse before the cart! You can't give any information to any vendor unless you have your date or location. Work with the larger budget items at hand. The other items always fall into place shortly after! Most importantly, remember no matter what happens during your planning, everything always works out on the day of . Just remember to keep your focus on the biggest prize, your partner! Happy Planning! Samantha Goldberg

The Average Wedding Costs What???

The average wedding in the United States for 2007 has increased to $30,000 across the board. While there still are a small number of states that fall under this amount and a few on the East coast that are over the average at $33,000 (www.theknot.com). What most brides and grooms are finding in NJ and the tri-state area is that most budgets fall under $30,000. With a wedding of 125 guests or less you can still have the wedding of your dreams for $20,000 and under by just being a bit flexible with dates, décor, photography, music and miscellaneous extras. Below are 6 ways to keep you on the ball with the big number and may even save you a few extra dollars in the process! Venue: $0-$8500 Choosing the venue is the first area which needs to be secured before any other item on your list of to do’s. When choosing your date and location you must realize that the wedding season is really just 4 months of the year. The months to stay away from are May, June, September and October. You can save anywhere from 30-50% just by planning your day outside that block. One thing to keep in mind is that the venue should only take up 35-40% of your budget. If you do find the venue of your dreams you may want to ask them if they have a time where the price per person can be less. Maybe you can go with a less expensive entrée or a beer and wine beverage package. However, by going with the same venue during an off peak month you may not have to give up anything at all! Floral and Décor $600-$2000 Flowers are always a beautiful enhancement in any setting. However, they are not the only way to provide ambiance. The best way to not splurge in this department is to stay with flowers that are in season. The more detailed you become in your arrangements the more the price begins to sky rocket. Why not have the best of both worlds when you design by using floral and candles to enhance your surroundings. Diversity always gets the guests talking and the outcome is still amazing in photos. You can also alternate between high and low centerpieces when trying to cut back. This again gives movement in the room and allows for many different looks that will wow your guests! Photography and Video $2500-$4000 While photography is one of the few tangible items that you can take home at the end of the evening, you should remember that video shows everything that occurred live. Video can always be done for the more important areas of the day such as the ceremony. Most brides regret when they can’t see their father walk them down the aisle or grandparents watching them exchanging their vows. Why have regrets when you can pay for straight footage with no editing. This may cost a mere $300-$400 in total and is worth every dime! Save the editing for later! This memory will last a lifetime! There are many ways to cut back on both categories while saving money in the process. While a couple may not have the funds to purchase a large book from a photographer while planning, the funds may open up after the wedding when you may have freed up some bonus $$$ to afford what you need after the big day is over. Most photographers do not ask for the balance until the prints from the negatives have been processed. This can take anywhere from 30-90 days after your wedding. Some photographers charge by the hour, by asking them to cut a few hours off the end of the day you could save yourself a few hundred dollars. If you choose a smaller package in the beginning you always have the opportunity to increase the package after the fact. There may also be incentive from a discount standpoint when it is time to choose your photos. So saving the best for last is a true statement after all in some cases! Music $500-$2000 While most people feel music and cocktails are what make or breaks the wedding, you can still pick fantastic companies that are up and coming that will get your guests out of their seats for the entire evening. DJ’s are always open to negotiation especially on off peak days and afternoon weddings. You may want to check out a local dance club or companies that have a one man show for DJ-ing and MC’s.. They are usually a lot less expensive than several members and can usually do a great job. You can also use an up and coming bar band. There are several 4-5 piece bands that are great at getting the crowd going and keeping the dollars from beating their way out your wallet! It would be safe to say you could find a 4-5 piece band for $2000 or under for 4- 5 hours. They have to start somewhere! The Gown $99-1500 While this plays a crucial part for the bride there is no reason to say she can’t have her Vera Wang for $1500 or less. Keep your eyes open for trunk shows in the city or major retailers having their blow out sale! There are so many fantastic deals for the Bride and her Bridesmaids. You can even find Bridesmaids dresses for under $50 with a retail price of $400 or higher at some of the designer sales. You may also want to buy your dress in an area where you can forgo the sales tax! In some cases you could save 7-9%. Traveling to the big city is a great experience however; you can get the same dress delivered from NYC at n/c and save the tax! Now that’s a savings that could assist in buying your accessories! There are several areas that can work with your budget. Just keep in mind if you do the proper research and stay savvy about what is most important, you can ensure your guests will have a fantastic time. No fee is ever set in stone and everything can be negotiated. With the number of vendors starting in the wedding industry today, everyone has to start somewhere and you may be their ticket to sky rocket in many directions! A win/win situation in the end for everyone! Happy Planning!

Bloomingdale's "Here We Come"!

I am happy to announce that I will be working along with Bloomingdale's this week to showcase some of the new trends in planning and decor! I may even divulge some secrets from the show! Please feel free to come to the "(PRE-WEDDING)WEDDING PARTY EVENT" THE (PRE-WEDDING) WEDDING PARTY EVENT Thursday, October 16, 2008 7pm-9pm The Shops at Riverside 400 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601 ph: 201.457.2000 THE (PRE-WEDDING) WEDDING PARTY EVENT Sunday, October 19, 2008 12pm 175 Bloomingdale Road , White Plains, NY 10605 ph: 914.684.6300

Some secret website links that are sure to please!

Hello Ladies! I thought to share some of my favorite websites...Those who are on a budget, those who are planning for one who is on a budget and for some who just want to shop on line for great ideas! MY FEATHER BAGS! I have recieved numerous emails regarding my green bag with the black feathers. I do love this bag also! It was made by a fan and I cannot find her anywhere! If you are out there wonder purse maker come back! However, I found a FAB website with bags that are BEYOND to die for...www.rufflemyfeathers.com I'm in heaven now that I have found this site. I am not going to tell you just how much damage I have done. You will see it during season 9 of Whose Wedding. www.rhinestonejewelry.com Need gifts for your bridesmaids? Check out this fun bling! Need bling for the napkins??? The belt clips make a cute fashion statement for any table! www.sandals4events.com Another great inexpensive website for custom sandals when your thinking of the bridesmaids/moms. www.thegivingbasket.com The BEST out of towner gift bags assembled personalized for under $10...My clients have been given RAVE reviews about this website/store and service. www.fancyfaces.com Yes, the fish tanks, feathers and lampshade store! I have worked with this company for years and their website is amazing. You can rent/buy what you need and come up with some of the most amazing ideas! I spend a lot of time on this site just trying to come up with new funky ideas for decor. I hope you have as much fun as I have on the sites I mentioned above! Don't shop too hard! One More wedding to go tomorrow! That makes 3 for us yet again! I have such a good feeling about tomorrow's wedding. Beautiful weather and a great couple! I am so excited to see the design come together. Deep jeweled reds. I have never worked with different variations of red before. It's sexy and sassy at the same time. I love any color in the jewel tone family. The lighting will also be a deep red. The room will look like a swanky lounge with an elegant feel. The floral will be enhanced with cranberries in the vase, crystals draped and pintuck linens to complete the mood. We have even incorporated gold tones with pillar candles. All which will have different heights and floral around the base. Can you tell I am excited? Warm wishes to those planning and or getting married this weekend!

SAVING MONEY!

While the stock market is in turmoil and companies are laying off departments, people who do not understand fiances are taking drastic measures. They are cutting back on everything. so much so that they forget to enjoy life. Why should you curb that? The holidays are coming closer and everyone in every industry is trying to find ways to keep business going. Even during in times that seem the worst! I was watching the news last night and it was discussing ways to save money with retail. For example several players in the market such as Macys, Urban Outfitters, etc...are starting their holiday sales now because retail is low. So how do we handle this in our industry? One quick answer: If you do not ask for a discount, you will not get the bonus! I know several brides and non-brides are afraid to ask the sales clerk behind the counter if they have any coupons. However, do you realize that most major department stores have secret discounts no less than 15% on top of the savings you are purchasing? Are you willing to give this up? Not me! This discount is NOT only for the retail market, but for the wedding industry as well. Again I will say, if you do not ask for a discount or at least a way to show you HOW you can afford them with the budget you have, you are missing out. Why do you feel you have to narrow your choices just because a vendor seems expensive? You are making a decision for them without even asking. By the way, if there are ANY vendors on the East coast NY, NJ, PA, ME that are offering substantial discounts PLEASE email me and I will post! I want to help you too! We have several vendors who would be willing to accommodate and work with any budget. Some of these vendors have won awards for their work and are highly publicized. Why would you want to waste such talent on a vendor with whom you have no referrals and their price is TOO good to be true?? Think about it. If you want practice in asking for a special fee...Try shopping as therapy! I know I have learned quite a bit from shopping. Yes, I have havoc in my home because I own 3 closets and have started taking over my husbands. The point I am trying to make is I am NOT afraid to ask anything about any discount with anyone! Nor should you! I want you to go out this week...Remember. Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days to shop. Why? Because all sales start on these days. I want you to buy yourself something fun and ask the sales clerk for any coupons or promos! You can do it! If you think black Friday and after the holidays are the best times, you are seriously mistaken. In fact, sometimes the best deals are the Wed before Thanksgiving or a few days before X-Mas... Next piece of homework...I want you to email me to BRAG about your sale! You will be so proud of yourself once you see it's not a BAD thing to ask. It is SMART. This therapy will train you to ask in the future and if you are planning to wed soon will help you to save! Good luck and happy shopping..By the way, if you see any cute boots, I am a size 7! Ha! xoxox Sam