A friend of mine, who is getting married, came by the other day and showed me some stuff she wanted to do for her wedding...I don't know if she was joking or not, but seriously I was scared of her choices. She told me that these were her "inspirations" and wanted me to help her come up with something that was fresh but still had the same feeling. So she challenged me to turn her crazy inspirations pics into something that is well...a little more up-to-date.
This is my hot and not list for my dear friend...which I may have to rethink after seeing her choices. Her choices are the NOT pics and mine of course are the HOT pics. Here we go...
First the head piece. My friend wants to wear bling...
I realize that every bride wants to be a princess on her wedding day. But really gals...the tiara, especially ones that's only fit for royalty, is a little passe...it's very 2007. For an up-to-date look that still gives your up do a little flair, try some hair adornments that are placed towards the back or side of the hair for a fresh updated look.
Now the dress...she wanted to stand out...
Okay ladies, I also realize that pick me up skirts is another princess concept and the colored dresses was the sign of being the "un-bride" or "unique bride." But...do you really want to see those pictures 5, 10, 15+ years from now and think..."who in the hell thought this was a good idea?" Pick me up skirts are fabulous, but you really don't need that extra bling on the skirt. Next the color RED...okay I know "rebel bride" but it just screams...really cheap. Instead try for a hint or subtle color in blush, pale pink, champagne or for you bolder brides a faint sea foam. Trust me if you want to make an impact choose something subtle with just one or two unique details...people will scream WOW rather than OMG.
The shoes or can I say glass slipper...
Again, I get the Cinderella syndrome, but when it comes to shoes, do you really want your feet sweating inside plastic on your wedding day? It's not comfortable and when you get back to your suite that night, the feet may be a little too funky for the groom. Instead of taking the glass slipper literally, go for a shoe that hints that it's a glass slipper but still wearable and more comfortable. Unless you plan to leave it on a staircase during the evening, most people won't even see them anyway.
The multi-colored bouquet...
I love the use of colors in a bouquet...but only if it's done correctly. It could turn a joyous full burst of color to one big hot mess. When choosing a multi color bouquet, plan on going more with less. Choose interesting flowers with bold colors but keep the styling simple...all the other dodads and things popping out of the bouquet are not necessary. You want it to be pleasing to the eye and not an eye sore.
The cake...did she seriously say she wanted to have a satellite wedding cake (multi-tiered mess)...
The satellite cake was very popular in the 1970s and though it's not at all modern or pleasing to the eye...some people still like to have this set up. In modernizing and making this cake wreck concept go away...one can do multiple, small, multi-tiered cakes in the same color palette with different designs, it gives a throwback to the satellite concept without having to go there. Additionally, it will lend a beautiful visual to your dessert bar.
Hopefully my friend sees the difference between what she thought she wants and what I know she wants. There's a fine line between hot and not, but when it comes down to it...remember the saying, "Less is more!"
Stay cool!
-Percy
Photo Credits: "Not" photos from various websites on the Internet, "Hot" photos from Brides.com except for "Hot" Shoes which was from Zappos.com
I had the incredible pleasure of serving as the week of coordinator for Mehrasa & Chad's destination wedding. The couple is from New York City and the bride had designed the wedding herself. I advised her on some of the design aspects as well as last minute vendors when we first met, about two months before the wedding, but she did the incredible task of planning herself.
Their wedding was held on a beautiful Santa Barbara day at an incredible location, Four Season's Biltmore. The bride was stunning! Even more stunning that she endured a mishap with the zipper of her dress which ended with me making a decision to have her sewn into her bridal gown at the last minute by a seamstress at The Biltmore. She stayed calm and moved on after everything was fixed...INCREDIBLE. The groom very debonair and laid back. They had such a lovely family and their friends really reflected who they are. I wish them a long and happy marriage! Thank you for letting me be part of the day.
The bride wanted simple elegance for her wedding with a little bit of punch. She even opted not to have bouquets for her bridesmaids. The ceremony and reception was held in the La Pacifica Ball Room of The Biltmore which is located in the Coral Casino, so the bride went with the coral color of the ballroom in her florals.
Here's some pics from their wonderful wedding day!
Enjoy
-Percy
The Lounge Area...later moved to the ceremony site.
The mother of the bride...LOVED Her!
Pinning the boutonniere on the father of the groom.
The bride and groom opted to meet before the ceremony so they could take formal shots with light as well as get to enjoy their cocktail hour. Here's a set of photos of them seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day.
The bridal party.
The beautiful floral aisle work & florals of Camilla Svensson Burns. I had asked her to do an incredible design on the aisle, rather than just lining the sides of the aisles with petals and this is what she did at the last minute.
The bride wanted something different for the ring bearers to carry down the aisle...so I got shells and filled them with sand and put the rings in them, since we are at a beach location. One ring bearer carried a starfish and the flower girls carried conch shells filled with petals to throw on the aisle.
The Kiss
Me bustling the bride's gown
Cocktail Hour
The cake (Red Velvet and Chocolate layers) and the simplicity of the tables...since the walls are already so ornate.
The First Dance
The beautiful Santa Barbara Sunset and the happy couple.Guests enjoying the perfect weather.Congratulations Mehrasa & Chad!
This past month, actually from the end of July up until yesterday (8/31/09), was such a busy month. Seriously, it's all a blur to me and I can't believe that I am actually still sane. As I mentioned previously, on top of weddings/events, I was dealing with an unexpected health crisis that my mom went through, trying to get my son ready for Kindergarten, and trying to keep it emotionally together for my brides, family, and myself. It truly was a tornado of a month. However, I am here to attest that life's challenges will make one stronger! Today, I feel like Phoenix rising from the ashes (okay that's a little dramatic).
Anyway, it's a new month and I am so happy that it has started well!
My exciting news is that I have been asked to be a part of a group that is throwing the ultimate wedding giveaway. The Southern California Dream Wedding giveaway is going to be huge! They have asked me to be the Wedding Planner/Coordinator and Designer for one lucky couple. What a privilege is it going to be to work with the lucky couple! I am looking forward to designing the wedding of their dreams and the opportunity to work with over 40 Top wedding/event vendors who were all chosen for the expertise, talents, and dedication to making dreams a reality for all their clients. It's going to be one fun ride.
The Southern California Dream Wedding giveaway will officially launch to the public on October 18, 2009 and they will have a new splashy website with all the details. For now, you can visit the Southern California Dream Wedding blog site for details including the announcement of the dream team of vendors. Everyday, starting next Monday, they will be revealing the vendors who are part of the dream team and what they will be providing for the couple. It is estimated that the wedding, if paid for, would cost the couple over $100,000.
Any couple in the United States is eligible to enter the Southern California Dream Wedding giveaway. It will be a write-in campaign with couples explaining why they deserve to win this dream wedding. The producers of the Southern California Dream Wedding giveaway are looking for couples with compelling stories. Couples can submit their entry letter anytime between October 18, 2009 and January 15, 2010. The winning couple will be announced on Valentine's Day 2010! Look out for more information and make sure to read the Southern California Dream Wedding blog often!
It will be so exciting to see the reveal of the dream team of vendors and when the Website officially launches on October 18, 2009, it will be great to see all the love stories from couples. So make sure to spread the word about Southern California Dream Wedding. If anything, the lucky couple will get to work with me. :)
It feels good to be blogging about what I love once again!
after the post: Maybe I should have waited for them to announce me as one of the dream team vendors instead of putting this out there now. Oh well...think of it as a sneak peek of what's to come.
It's been one crazy month (August) for me with weddings (of course), dealing with major family health issues (unexpected), and getting my four-year old ready for Kindergarten (anticipated). I promise to be back and better than ever September 1st! Thanks for being patient and for continuing to be a fan! If there's anything you particularly want me to blog about or have a question you wanted answered, please email them to me at percy@percysales.com or post it on the comments section.
Okay folks, you all know that I love everything sweet and especially love my cakes. Well there's a new player in town (San Francisco Bay Area) and you need to RUN not walk...RUN to her and have your cake made by this incredible artist/baker! Jennifer Tan started Just the Frosting from her kitchen and continues to do her artistry as a side business. I told her she needs to lose the day job and do this full time.
The picture of the Ni Hao, Kai Lan birthday cake was for my niece's 1st Birthday in June. It was absolutely beautiful and out of this world delicious. Her fondant work is incredible and very detail oriented...she even covered the top part of the cardboard base in fondant...which is unheard of. The cake was a tasty banana nut confection with cream cheese filling. Mmmm I am craving it now! The Kai Lan topper was made out of gum paste.
Seriously folks, if you want a wow cake that's pleasing to the eye and mouth at your next wedding, birthday, or other celebration contact Jennifer Tan. Trust me...it's more than Just the Frosting that is going to make her and her cakes a household name! You won't regret it and you will fall in love with her cakes too!
I met Megan through one of the "usual" social network sites...Facebook. I had read one of her other guests posts and thought wow, this could be a great guest blogger for the Let's Party With Percy Sales Events Blog. So, I asked Megan if she could do a blog for me on the topic of her choice and she graciously agreed. In her guest blog, Megan will be discussing her trend/forecast watch in wedding invitations for 2010/2011. I hope you enjoy it! Here's Megan's blog:
Trend Watch in Wedding Invitations 2010/2011
By: Megan Battistella owner of Adair Custom Designs: Specializing in Wedding Invitations and Stationary.
POP QUIZ: This one is for all engaged couples out there!
What is the most important thing that a wedding invitation set should do for
an engaged couple?
A. Set the tone for the wedding
B. Elicit a response
C. Save money!
D. Wedding invitations? Shoot! I forgot about those…
For engaged couples, the excitement of planning a wedding can overwhelm the most basic principal of what an invitation is intended to do, and that is: get a response! My experience in creating corporate identity has taught me that thoughtful design is essential to creating personality with an impact.
For the budget-conscious couples looking to balance affordability and personal style consider the following: will your invitation be considered a “keepsake”?People know the difference between art and ordinary. The highest compliment is for your guests to keep your wedding invitations. Through exciting the senses with something different, you will find that an immediate response from your guests is not uncommon. People crave a fresh approach as opposed to a tired format!
Next year springs forth a fresh decade of fantastic trends and new ideas! Familiar and entirely new, retro and modern combined; it is indeed the beginning of a new era of contemporary design. These trends are recession busters and have been recycled from decades and even centuries past as tried and true.
THEMES THAT WILL TREND in 2010/2011—Some of these themes draw from the past and will continue to show resiliency in the future, overlapping will be prevalent among all of these categories
“Art Deco” Wedding Packages
This will be one of the most prevalent trends seen in the wedding industry for next year. It is on the verge of exploding. This trend can go in numerous different avenues for wedding invitation sets, but the following will be the most common.
Art Deco: 1920’s and 30’s inspired. Wedding invitations will present strong, contrasting geometric patterning, borrowing from classic architectural elements of the roaring twenties. Vertical paper layouts will prove to be more consistent with the “style” of art deco. Perfect for those watching their budgets, because pieces that print with only one color designs, (black) on white or colored paper are more economical. For added elegance, consider metallic or pearl papers.
Art Deco: Floral Seventies and modernized Baroque: These will still have an overwhelming sense of “pattern.” Flat color, graphic, non-dimensional floral patterns will be prevalent in tomorrow’s wedding invitation designs.
Falling back on different cultures, the “folksy pilgrim” is borrowing from all types of traditions and cross-pollinating with today’s society. There is also a strong theme of hand-made, hand-painted and custom detailed wood work which can lead into decorative Baroque style.
Wedding invitation trends in this category will consider specialty shapes in papers, die-cuts, decorative embellishments that are unique to the bride and groom’s heritage and/or ethnic background. Bright impressions of the Latin culture, the simplicity and softness of the MidwesternStates and a vivid graphic African influence will be seen in this category.
Wedding invitations will be hand-drawn or possibly painted in watercolors and then over-laid with illustration work, generally in floral patterns. Hand-calligraphy (Examples provided by Jennifer Gillespie of “Calligraphy by Jennifer”) and highly decorative lettering will flourish in fonts. On the opposite spectrum, large, bold, sans-serif fonts will also do incredibly well.
“Eco-Chic” Wedding Invitations
“Going Green” has become a mainstream concept, but new technology and advances in protecting the environment are continuously being supplied to the masses for more economical rates. Consciously looking for alternative papers for invites will continue to be important. Recycled papers come in 30% post-consumer waste and 100% post-consumer waste and more printers are supplying soy-based inks.
"Futuristic" & Digital Wedding Package Sets
Going against the grain and all traditions, these wedding invitation sets will offer new thoughts and design directions for the future. Fluorescent accents in paper, metallic cut-outs, reflective materials and holographic papers will portray an almost surrealist nature. Three dimensionally textured bellybands and uniquely shaped invitation enclosures will grab the spotlight. Peacock feathers used in design motifs or as embellishments will gather interest this upcoming year. Adding layers to invitation sets through the use of frosted, translucent, and transparent papers will add visual interest while maintaining budgets.
In this socially connected world, some couples may consider opting out of paper invitations and go digital. Digital invitations are posted videos on the internet and the response is electronic. (See example, work not created by Megan Battistella of Adair Design-http://www.coreyrachelinvite.com/ ) This will eliminate the response cards all together and will help to save on postage cost, return address printing and envelopes. Other options are to spend an extra amount of money on a more decorative invitation and then combining a response and directions card which will direct guests to RSVP electronically.
There are plenty of budget conscious and completely out-of-the box ideas that can portray your wedding in a brand-new light.
Please contact me for a free, custom wedding invitation consultation or check out my pre-designed wedding packages and I can give you some pricing. If you check out my blog or Facebook page, leave a note or some feedback, I would love to hear your thoughts!
Don't have to say much. This was such a creative way to celebrate their wedding. I'm not sure all churches would approve of this, but it was awesome none the less. Weddings should always be this joyous. It had me in tears. After seeing this I wonder what the rest of their wedding was like...especially the reception. I am sure they were dancing all night!
Would any of my clients like to do this? Just let me know.
Great song too - Forever (unfortunately it's sung by Chris Brown)
The Shop @ Percy Sales Events is your one stop shopping source for your wedding or event. You can find everything from bridal shoes and accessories to favor ideas and invitations. Check out the latest finds at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events
Rosa Clará is the designer to watch and I would not be surprised if she was the go to wedding gown designer in the next couple of years. I'm in total awe after seeing some of this designer's gowns.
Rosa Clará has been in business since 1995. Her designs are known in Latin countries and on the European circuit but have not quite made an impact here in the US. She currently has some gowns being sold exclusively at Kleinfeld Bridal in NYC and some select styles can be found at premiere bridal boutiques throughout the US. A list of local retailers can be found on the Rosa Clará Website. Rosa Clará is based in Barcelona, Spain.
Rosa Clará designs are absolutely modern, gorgeous, and it transcends time. She states that her '09 collection is, "Inspired by two trends: One, simple lines with close fitting gowns. And the other, spectacular volume." All I can say is that her gowns are like none I have seen in recent years. You also need to check out the Rosa Clará '08 line and you will notice that things she was putting out last year are now being presented by other designers this year. She is definitely "wedding" fashion forward.
It seems as if she has taken aspects from different cultures and made them her own. You will see gorgeous draping on Grecian Gowns, Kimono inspired wedding dresses, Modern Princess Gowns and of course...an ode to Barcelona, Spanish influenced gowns.
Additionally, many of her pieces can morph into a second look by adding or removing lace jackets that she has designed to go with certain gowns.
Here's a sampling of the gowns I love.
Style #213 Languido - Organza dress with beading and a Chantilly lace jacket with hemstitch decoration. A lovely dress with two looks. When you take off the full-length lace jacket, you are left with a stunning strapless gown, perfect for the reception.
Style #248 Lua - Beaded bodice with a silk brocade skirt and train. This dress reminds me of a modern Kimono. The train detail is so wonderful with its multiple tiers. The dress is so simple yet so stunning.
Style #159 Lyla - Halter dress with floral neck embellishment and embroidered flowers on a full skirt. The ultimate playful princess dress. I love the embroidery on the skirt; it gives the gown a little spunk, but keeps it elegant at the same time. Cinderella would have been proud to wear this gown.
Brides...you need to check out the Rosa Clará line, there are so many wonderful gowns to discover on her site. Additionally she also a second line that is more affordable called Two by Rosa Clará and a link to her Complements line of veils, tops, shoes, and headdresses (used by Karl Lagerfeld in Chanel's Pre-Fall 2009 Collection Fashion Show).
I hope you will love this designer as much as I do. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us in coming years.
Traditionally these sky lanterns have been used in Taipei and Thailand as part of special occasions and festivals. They light up the sky beautifully and are so dramatic when you release them in large groups. The sky lanterns would be a great addition to a wedding, birthday or even funeral. You can attach wishes or messages to them and send them to the "heavens" to be fulfilled.
From Wikipedia, "Sky lanterns are traditionally made of oiled rice paper with a bamboo frame that contain a small candle or fuel cell, which is a waxy combustible material. When lit the fuel cell heats the air, creating smoke, and causes the lantern to rise into the air. The sky lantern is airborne for approximately 15 minutes, or until the fuel cell is exhausted, then the sky lantern floats back to the ground. They will achieve quite a height, but it is recommended not to launch them in strong winds."
Now you have the opportunity to use these unique lanterns for your next event. You can order sky lanterns from a company like The Sky Lantern. It comes in various colors, but I think the white is the most beautiful visually. I have used them at some weddings and it really wows the guests. The basic sky lantern at The Sky Lantern cost $5.00 each. Check out their Chinese Water Lanterns too, a dramatic touch to pools or other bodies of water.
Remember to contact your local Fire Marshall to get the appropriate permits prior to using these lanterns.
Yesterday I took a client to see potential venue spaces in Santa Barbara for a quaint wedding of 75 people. Our last stop was the Canary Hotel, a boutique hotel that is located in the heart of Santa Barbara. After checking out the banquet rooms, the largest capable of seating a party for 160 people, we took the elevator up to the Rooftop Perch, thanks to the staff who let us up. The bride gasped as we exited the elevator to this little haven above Santa Barbara.
She thought she wanted to have a reception near the beach until she saw this place. She was overcome by the mountain and red tile roof views that the Canary Hotel provided...it truly is the quintessential Santa Barbara location. It was like putting on the perfect wedding gown. She immediately thought that this was the space for her and I have to agree, this location would be perfect for this bride. I have been to that perch many times and even planned a wedding there when it was known as Hotel Andalucia. At any rate, I fell in love with the space again.
Everything about the Canary Hotel...the architecture, decor, tile work, outdoor fireplace, views, location, and the hotel staff...may just make this little hotel the perfect location for your wedding. It's a lot more affordable than most people will speculate and it can accommodate a good number of folks. The only negative is...I was not listed as one of their preferred Wedding Planners and Coordinators. Regardless of that little detail, if you are looking for the ultimate location in Santa Barbara to wed, check out the Canary Hotel. You may never want to leave its nest.
To check out their floor plan, capacity charts and catering menus, please visit their Special Events Webpage. The Canary Hotel is located at 31 West Cabrillo, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or you can reach their Sales and Catering department by contacting them at 805-884-0300.
I realize that every bride wants to be a princess on her wedding day. But really gals...the tiara, especially ones that's only fit for royalty, is a little passe...it's very 2007. For an up-to-date look that still gives your up do a little flair, try some hair adornments that are placed towards the back or side of the hair for a fresh updated look.
Okay ladies, I also realize that pick me up skirts is another princess concept and the colored dresses was the sign of being the "un-bride" or "unique bride." But...do you really want to see those pictures 5, 10, 15+ years from now and think..."who in the hell thought this was a good idea?" Pick me up skirts are fabulous, but you really don't need that extra bling on the skirt. Next the color RED...okay I know "rebel bride" but it just screams...really cheap. Instead try for a hint or subtle color in blush, pale pink, champagne or for you bolder brides a faint sea foam. Trust me if you want to make an impact choose something subtle with just one or two unique details...people will scream WOW rather than OMG.
Again, I get the Cinderella syndrome, but when it comes to shoes, do you really want your feet sweating inside plastic on your wedding day? It's not comfortable and when you get back to your suite that night, the feet may be a little too funky for the groom. Instead of taking the glass slipper literally, go for a shoe that hints that it's a glass slipper but still wearable and more comfortable. Unless you plan to leave it on a staircase during the evening, most people won't even see them anyway.
I love the use of colors in a bouquet...but only if it's done correctly. It could turn a joyous full burst of color to one big hot mess. When choosing a multi color bouquet, plan on going more with less. Choose interesting flowers with bold colors but keep the styling simple...all the other dodads and things popping out of the bouquet are not necessary. You want it to be pleasing to the eye and not an eye sore.
The satellite cake was very popular in the 1970s and though it's not at all modern or pleasing to the eye...some people still like to have this set up. In modernizing and making this cake wreck concept go away...one can do multiple, small, multi-tiered cakes in the same color palette with different designs, it gives a throwback to the satellite concept without having to go there. Additionally, it will lend a beautiful visual to your dessert bar.
