Aisle File

Bridal Market Report: Part 1

October 21, 2009

I’ve just returned from bridal market in New York City, and I am still pinching myself over some of the collections and dresses I viewed...

I’ve just returned from bridal market in New York City, and I am still pinching myself over some of the collections and dresses I viewed during my five-day juggernaut. While I had planned on blogging a bit form the shows, I forgot the USB cord for my computer on my desk, so instead I will spend the next few days filling you in on some of the goodies. But for all of the details and for my complete runway rundown, you’ll have to pick up the January issue of Mpls.St.Paul Weddings.

Now for a quick review . . .

Highlight shows: Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Giles Montezin, Angel Sanchez, and Elizabeth Fillmore

Highlight moment: Introducing myself to Darcy Miller, the EIC of Martha Stewart Weddings at the Anne Barge Show. Saved by the draining battery in my iPhone, we were plugged in next to each other, and I took the opportunity to grab a picture and say hello.

Highlight event: The Martha Stewart Weddings 15th Anniversary Party at The Plaza. A-Maz-Ing!

The overriding trends:

* French courtier details, with references ranging from '80s LaCroix—peplums, corseting—to 18th-century Marie Antoinette—dashes of color in shades of macaroons, oversized ball gowns in luxe fabrics.

* Japanese influences. Obi sashes, origami-style pleating, cherry-blossom appliqués, and even a few kimonos.

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Thank-you notes: Git-R-Done

September 14, 2009

Attention couples and thank-you note proponents: Don't give up writing those all-important thank-you notes, even if you've reached (or passed) your one-year anniversary. This is...
Newlywed Jessica Zehavi of Lilydale gave me another great blog topic today—on her first anniversary, no less—with this Facebook mea culpa:

"[I have] officially transgressed a big post-wedding no-no. We are still working on thank-you notes . . . We do want to express our gratitude and will be [sending] thank-you notes. It's not that we've forgotten or blew [them] off."

Jessica, I say send them as soon as you can. Better late than never! American custom dictates that you have, at most, one year to complete your thank-you notes—just as your guests and loved ones have one year to send you a gift. Most don't wait that long, however, and neither should you. If you can help it.

Brides and grooms: Try your best to stay on top of the notes as the gifts arrive, or write your thank-you's within two to three months if possible. Do not try to tackle this yourself. I'd recommend asking your spouse (or fiancé, if you're writing thank-you's before the wedding) to write to the people he or she knows best. It's a much more equitable way to split up the time-consuming task. Plus, brides usually have more to write, after a couple of bridal showers.

I like to write more than a few sentences, but don't spend more than a few minutes on each note. If you do, you'll never complete your task! If your handwriting leaves something to be desired, that's okay. Just don't type—and never e-mail, e-card, text, etc.—your notes. Handwritten thank-you notes are something of a lost art, and this may be the last real correspondence you send great-aunt Millie. (Although I hope not.) Don't forget the thank-you note to your priest, rabbi, or justice of the peace!

Jessica advises her fellow Twin Cities newlyweds to learn from her experience (and that of countless other couples), and stay on top of that thank-you list—despite post-wedding fatigue: "To those of you planning a wedding soon, don't procrastinate."

Still struggling? Here are a few more great thank-you tips to Git-R-Done.

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Checking In, Part 2: Catering to You

August 25, 2009

The Twin Cities offer myriad wedding hotel choices, from the new and trendy—W Minneapolis-The Foshay, Graves 601, and Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis—to the grand... Westin Edina Galleria. We're checking it out for a photo shoot this month, and we think you should too. Here are some smart tips for working with your hotel's catering director, courtesy of Westin catering director Julie Broders:

Think big picture: Decide on the type of reception you prefer, and then create a realistic budget based on your style, Broders says. For example: formal dinner or buffet, daytime or evening, DJ or live band.

Get a taste: Your tasting is one of the most important meetings of the planning process, she says. Be sure your catering director shows you a fully set table, with chairs, linens, china, and stemware. Ask to have your tasting in a similar atmosphere as your reception. During the tasting, the chef should be present—this is your chance to ask about preparation, ingredients, dietary needs, and food allergies.

Name a point person: Give your hotel catering director and your wedding planner one contact name—but not yours—for the big day, Broders says (e.g. mother of the bride, maid of honor). This is the go-to person for the reception, so you can enjoy your moment, and your guests. Broders also advises couples to give the catering director all of their vendor contact information, such as the photographer, florist, band or DJ. If you're the organized type, create a reception-day timeline for the hotel staff. Your catering contact will distribute this to all of the hotel's operations staff, so everyone knows the following: band set-up time, flower delivery schedule, and cake arrival.

Direct your guests: If you'll tie the knot elsewhere, provide the venue name, address, and directions to the wedding ceremony site. This is one of guests' most frequently asked questions, Broders says. Don't forget parking information for the hotel. If your guests are young and wired, post this on your wedding website or Facebook page in advance, with a map link. For grandma and great-uncle Bob, however, include the directions in your invitation or welcome bag.

Open or closed bar? We find that an open bar can be the biggest money pit at the reception, and it's not necessary. If you insist on the bar, however, Broders suggests posting a sign that lists open bar hours at each bar. A more cost-conscious alternative is the beer-and-wine open bar. If you go this route, post the wine and beer list on the sign. If there are prices for cocktails and other beverages, list those as well. Another great suggestion from Broders: Tell your caterer about any drinks for special friends or family members. For example, if dad only drinks Glenlivet, serve it at no charge to him. If your vendors have a drink tab—the band, photographer, etc.—let your catering manager know who they are and if there's a limit.

For more info, visit Westin.com/EdinaGalleria.

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Seasons of Love: Part 4 ~ Bonus Winter Images

August 20, 2009

Far from intimidated by winter, Margaret Murrell and Jeremy Reed embraced the season in their January 9, 2009 wedding. Featured in our "Seasons of Love"... Far from intimidated by winter, Margaret Murrell and Jeremy Reed embraced the season in their January 9, 2009 wedding. Featured in our "Seasons of Love" story in the Fall/Winter 2009 issue of Mpls.St.Paul Weddings, Margaret and Jeremy had fun with their outdoor photographs despite the snowy chill. To make it easy on guests, they hosted the entire event at The Depot Minneapolis. Read more about their wedding in the Fall/Winter issue on page 58.

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Checking In, Part 1: To Hotel or Not to Hotel?

August 19, 2009

If you're considering a hotel reception, consider this: It may be one of the costliest—and smartest—moves of your wedding experience. I say costly in order...
Others prefer to stay elsewhere (but close by), to avoid the groomsmen who insist on "decorating" the newlywed suite. C'mon, guys. That's one tradition we'd prefer to bid adieu!

For guests, even in-town friends, a hotel wedding can mean easy booking and a great getaway. If you choose a hotel with affordable group rates, such as the Saint Paul Hotel, your loved ones will thank you.

In February, my husband, Sean, and I left our tots with grandma and grandpa in South Minny (thank you!) and spent the night at the Saint Paul following the Friday-evening wedding of my colleague and friend, Erica. She and Andrew tied the knot at the remarkable Our Lady of Victory Chapel at St. Kate's. The lovely, low-key reception took place at the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul, kitty-corner from the hotel. The wedding rate was too good to pass up, and we thoroughly enjoyed our Summit EPAs, knowing we need only slip across the street when the party wrapped up. Nice. Check out more details from Andrew and Erica's winter wedding.

Elsewhere around town, Sean and I have enjoyed toasting happy couples at the Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis (Barry and Alyssa, 2004: fab dance floor, good proximity to Nicollet Mall and downtown dining), and the Minneapolis Marriott West in St. Louis Park (Joel and Laurie, 2007: large, comfortable space, and glatt kosher kitchen).

My own wedding ceremony and reception took place in 2002 in Danville, Calif.—on the Town Green later made famous by Capt. Sully Sullenberger. Our rehearsal dinner, guest accommodations, and Sean's bachelor party all took place at the San Ramon Marriott, and I highly recommend the Marriott experience. My mother and I gulped when we saw the catering estimate—even for a small rehearsal dinner—but it was worth it. Our guests loved the convenience, the staff, and the bar!

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