Winter Wedding Inspirations

{Holiday wedding cake via SMP, photography by Simply Bloom Photography; white fur bolero from BHLDN; Eleonore ring by Anna Sheffield; red Hunter boots via Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Preppiness.} Hello dolls?it?s been awhile. I apologize for the long … Continue reading →

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Vintage snack: an army uniform and a pillbox hat
in Egypt

Caroline is our illustrious copyeditor who keeps the editors in check with her grammar whip. She also has some cute photos of her grandparents' wedding from 1944 that were definitely worth showing. You've got to love a dame in a pillbox hat and her uniformed fella.

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How to Hire the Right Wedding Vendor for You

Recently, a local news reporter approached me for advice on red flags when hiring wedding vendors -- a viewer had called in with a complaint against a vendor and they were investigating the story. While the story didn't pan out after all, the timing for sharing these nuggets of advice couldn't be better. Most couples are hiring their 2012 wedding vendors at this time of year, especially for summer and fall weddings.
Here's my list of ways to prevent getting burned by a wedding vendor. (And feel free to share any wedding vendor nightmares or happy tales!)

1) Review the terms and conditions. Look out especially for: cancellation, fee schedule, deposit requirements and refund policy! What happens in case of flood, or other natural or manmade disaster (like union strike or  fire) that can affect being able to get married in the venue and on the date of your wedding?

a) Related to this, what is their backup plan in case they can't host your wedding (if a venue) or get sick, etc?
2) Beware: a venue's wedding coordinator is NOT the same as a wedding planner. Don't expect the venue coordinator to put together a detailed timeline, list of items or confirm details with other vendors (unless stated otherwise in the contract).

3) Follow your intuition and trust your instinct. Personality is very important. Finding a wedding vendor is like online dating. You can check out their profile and gallery of photos, but until you meet in person (or on the phone if you are planning a destination wedding), you won't know if "sparks will fly"! You want to make sure you and your prospective vendor have an excellent rapport. Brides and grooms often build an intimate relationship with their vendors and you want to make sure your vendors are not only professional, but courteous, responsive and detail-oriented. If they don't demonstrate such qualities in your initial meetings/calls, then that is a red flag. Move on!!!
a) Related to this, are they genuinely interested in working with you? Do they listen to you or are they somewhat jaded with a "been there, done that" attitude? If you find a wedding vendor who feels like a friend who looks out for your best interest (and let's you call the shots), then you've hit the jackpot.
4) Consider purchasing wedding insurance. Wedding insurance can cover potential problems lost deposits, vendor no-shows, cancellations, inclement weather, military deployment, health emergencies and more. (from Wedsafe.com)

• If you're worried about recovering your deposits if a vendor goes bankrupt or doesn't deliver as promised
• If you're concerned that extreme weather or an unexpected illness or injury could force you to postpone
• If the bride or groom is in the military and approved leave could be cancelled

5) Maintain a copy of your communication with the vendor (like emails, estimates or change orders). Follow up on your voicemails with an email to recap your message.  Document your communication with the vendor so that it can serve as a back up in case the day-of comes and something isn't the way you agreed it to be. For example, I had a bride order "ivory" roses and on the day-of, the florist brought orange "creamsicle" roses that she called "creme de la creme." Had I not had the bride's contract, I wouldn't have been able to demand the floral designer to replace all the orange roses in the bouquets -- 2 hours before the ceremony -- with ivory roses!

6) Do your homework: ask for referrals, check out online reviews -- not only on Yelp, but Wedding Wire and other wedding review sites. Ask your wedding planner if they've worked with them before and what they may know about the vendor.

7) When you talk with the venue coordinator or vendor are they vague? Can they explain their pricing structure, how they will staff your wedding, etc? These details are critical to the success of your wedding day. If they don't have these within a reasonable amount of time, this is a red flag.

8) Always secure a contract or letter of agreement with vendors -- even friends. If they don't have a formal contract, this is a huge no-no! Why would you want to give money to someone you can't hold accountable with a contract? And what if a vendor is a friend doing a favor? You should still put your terms into an agreement -- that way, both parties -- you and your friend -- are aligned on expectations and you can avoid resentment or not having an important detail taken care of.

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{Holiday Hostess Gift} Eco-Friendly, USA made,
handmade ABCD Designs Letterpress Matchboxes realized by Shandells

You all seemed to like the letterpress ‘Joy’ snowflake design that I showed you, so I decided to collaborate on a hostess gift project with my artisan friend, Susan. Are you new to ABCD Design? Read about her work here, here, here and here! We’ve created a limited edition series of ABCD Designs Bespoke Letterpress [...]

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Bridal Market Bits | Junko Yoshioka Fall 2012
Bridal Collection

Even though October market has come and gone, we can't stop looking through the amazing coverage our Merci New York photographers captured for us! Luckily, we've finally had some downtime to sift through our favorites. This week we'll be sharing some highlights from the collections, and next week we'll start to circle back with trend reports... So be sure to take notes! Even though the runway is over, these gowns have yet to hit bridal salons and will be brand spanking new choices for this season's brides!
One of our first designers up on the roster is Junko Yoshioka. I so enjoyed her Fall 2012 runway presentation... Inspired by the cultural movement of the renaissance, Junko Yoshioka bridges the past and the present with her fabrics, construction and detailing. She masterfully utilizes dimensional laser cut silks, antiqued ombre matelasses and embroidered laces to create a collection of modern grace and timeless beauty.
Ah, the laser cute lace had me at first glance {but the exposed boned bodices are pretty chic as well}. Which are your favorites?
xx,








Photos copyright Merci New York... Read more at http://www.mercinewyork.blogspot.com

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Wedding Reception Table Essentials

Decorating your wedding reception is a lot of fun, but don?t forget these essentials for your tables when planning your big day! It?s easy to overlook important details like wedding reception table essentials when you are planning your wedding day. When it comes to choosing decor, colors, and wedding themes, choosing the right essentials to... [Continue Reading]

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Bridal Market Bits | Claire Pettibone Spring 2012
Collection

For today's Bridal Market Bits recap, I'm thrilled to share one of the most creative shows of the season: The lovely Claire Pettibone's Spring 2012 Beau Monde Collection.
As a stylist, I always look forward to Claire's runway show. She injects her collection with a romantic and whimsical fantasy that's just not found in other lines. {In fact, every time I pull a Claire Pettibone dress for a client, they instantly feel the need to touch, feel - and without fail - marvel in the romance of the details}.
Needless to say, I was anxious to see what Claire had up her sleeve for Spring '12...
Never failing to disappoint, the lights dimmed, the music began, and Claire whisked us away to a languid summer in the French countryside... Antique gold, toile and tapestries inspired the textures and details found on each gorgeous gown, striking the perfect balance between whimsy, romance and a coquettish je ne sais quoi. Take a peek:
All photos copyright of Merci New York

Make-up: Janice Kinjo for Smashbox Cosmetics
Hair: Ursula Stephen for FHI Heat
Skincare: Ole Henriksen
Bakery: Sweet Ambs
Music: Guy Toley
Backstage Coordinators: Fashion Institute of Technology

As you can see, Claire Pettibone's Spring 2012 collection played with the juxtaposition of gilded refinement and relaxed living, characterized by a city meets country mix of components such as luxe gold embroidery, charming French toile and soft antiqued laces. Elegant sleeves, illusion necklines, and Pettibone's signature stunning back details were found in this homage to the decadence of 18th century France... Claire called it "A bit of Parisian luxury {invited to} a rambling garden party in full bloom." Ooh la la!
Psst... Want to take the guess work out of wedding dress shopping? We're happy to help. Merci New York's bridal styling clients enjoy access to our runway show recaps, a personally curated list of our favorite "real bride finds" from each designer's runway collection, access to our style notebooks {see above for an excerpt}, and personalized dress shopping trips accompanied by a Merci stylist. Visit our web site or drop us a line to inquire about our services!
xx,
... Read more at http://www.mercinewyork.blogspot.com

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A step-by-step guide to making your OWN wedding
album with Blurb books

A few months ago I waxed poetic about the amazingness of Blurb books on Offbeat Mama, and it dawned on me that sharing this knowledge on Bride could only do good things for everyone reading.I recently made a wedding album from a set of photo booth shots, and figured that'd be the perfect thing to share with you guys.

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Bargain hunter’s wedding decorations

This is the most wonderful time of the year.....for bargain hunters planning a wedding.

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Vintage at the Museum of Childhood

The Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood has just opened its Magic Worlds exhibition looking at magic throughout the ages. I was hoping for a bit more of an 'enchanted forest' feel to it, but loved the retro magic sets and puzzles, plus an original Sooty hand-puppet.




Even more interesting was the museum's permanent collection of antique children's paraphernalia - everything from 17th century high chairs and Victorian rattles to the coolest doll's houses i've ever seen and some gorgeous clothing.

 30s handknit jumper80s Mr Men skirt40s Jaeger dress30s dress20s boys' buster suit40s smock
art deco dollshouse

50s mini picnic set and laundry roller
The Vintage Bride

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