Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Reception

Reception Venue Questionnaire  It is critical for you to clarify what is and isn’t included in the agreement not only so you know the final cost, but it’s important to understand what exactly you are paying for. Never assume something … Continue reading

India Pre-Wedding Shopping Tips

Last week we covered a few tips on shopping before your wedding in India. After browsing through a few more checklists, we’ve decided that these few other tips were on the Need to Know list! So check them out and … Continue reading

Feature Friday: Harbor Hill Restaurant & Bar

Harbor Hill Bar & Restaurant offers traditional, upscale, American food to the Nyack, New York area by hosting events of all sorts, including engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, bachelor and bachelorette parties, wedding showers, birthdays, and just about everything else in … Continue reading

Congrats, you’re enaged! Now what?

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The moment has finally arrived. He asked and you said yes. You’re engaged! In a whirlwind of emotions and  happiness you may be wondering what to do next. Here are our top five suggestions on what to do immediantly after … Continue reading

#FeatureFriday: Andres Valenzuela Photography

Andres Valenzuela Photography has been serving the greater New Jersey, New York and Connecticut area, for the past 8 years, with personal and quality photos that are tailored to each couple’s personality. Andres and his wife Kim base their company … Continue reading

How To Cut Down Your Wedding Budget

Avoid Peak seasons:

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Getting married in winter opposed to summer will give you more date availability as well as lower prices compared to peak wedding seasons

Shop locally for flowers:

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Locally grown and sold flowers that are in season will be considerably less expensive than flowers that are out of season and being shipped from out of town places

Explore your cake options:

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A cake with buttercream frosting and a basic flavor like vanilla or chocolate will be much less expensive than a premium flavor cake that’s covered with fondant. A naked cake with little icing is an even thriftier and trendier option!

No hard alcohol:

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By limiting the open bar to just wine and beer and maybe a signature drink, it will much a much smaller bill for the bride and groom.

Have a smaller wedding party:

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A small wedding party with 2 or 3 people will allow you to have a much smaller budget for things like bouquet for each bridesmaid

Trim your guest list

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Cutting down your guest list by 8 or 10 people at a time will require less tables needed

Cut down on photography time:

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Having your photographer leave as the night is winding down is a smart option to save a bit of money and avoid any unwanted pictures of the end of the night

Book a DJ:

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A great quality DJ will be much nicer on your budget than a live band of any sort

Explore other menu options:

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Considering a reception in the morning or early afternoon allows you to save money by serving breakfast or brunch instead of a costly dinner menu

 

 

Feature Friday: Castle Hotel & Spa

47234-13Castle Hotel & Spa is located on the highest point in Westchester County, New York, just 30 minutes north of Manhattan. The stunning castle offers 31 rooms, as well as 6 luxury suites, fine dining, and brand new spa amenities. The St. Germain Suite Bedroom

mb_5409It is the perfect location for guests that have always dreamed of a breathtaking, fairytale wedding. The outdoor terrace and gardens offer the perfect backdrop for a truly memorable ceremony and a tranquil and relaxing cocktail hour. castle2013-070

 The enormous castle gives guests several options for creating an event completely tailored to taste. For larger weddings or destination weddings, the castle can be completely bought out for a day, weekend, or even a week at a time. This gives guests the freedom to explore the entire property and transform it into their perfect wedding vision.

_MG_9466For weddings that are more intimate, the option of booking a private wing is a popular choice. This includes private ballrooms and private bathrooms that give guests seclusion while still being able to explore an entire wing of the property! The Great Hall- Wedding

The Private Events team assured that The Castle has everything to provide the wedding of your dreams. This encompasses everything from stunning suites, to on site catering and beautiful décor that is all taken care of by the natural beauty of the historic castle.

THANN Sanctuary- Reception LoungeCastle Hotel & Spa goes beyond their reaches to accommodate any bride that has fallen in love with the property, to assure that they can make her dream vision come to life. _MG_9354

 

Feature Friday: Luis Rodriguez Makeup Artist

Makeup artist, Luis Rodriguez, styles the faces of brides with wedding day makeup looks that enhance their natural beauty in a distinguishable and eye-catching manner. Luis’ knack for all things beauty took root in his homeland of the Dominican Republic. … Continue reading

Your Engagement Only Happens Once, Enjoy It

Recently one of my brides phoned me whispering “Hi, Kathy can you hear me?” Curious to why she was whispering I replied, “Yes, why?,” and of course now I’m whispering. She said, “I’m at work and I have to whisper, … Continue reading

Will You Be My Bridesmaid? Fun, Creative Ways to Pop the Question via Etsy!

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Choosing your bridesmaids to be beside you on your wedding day as you exchange your vows should be both fun and exciting. Half the fun is sharing the day with your bridesmaids isn’t it? Your bridesmaids will become an important … Continue reading