BLEU AND YOU

Daily Candy's New Wedding Website

2009-05-03T09:25:00.003-04:00

Daily Candy, for those of you who have never visited the site, is an insider's guide to upcoming designers, sample sales, restaurants, travel tips, and all things new and trendy. The site allows you to sign up for news updates in your geographical area. Well Daily Candy has finally gone bridal. They have a wedding website (Daily Candy Weddings) that is "hopelessly devoted to you and your big day." I think this is great! Brides can now find out about sample sales in order to get that fabulous designer wedding gown and other trendy tips in their area. Happy Planning! a K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

New Jersey Brides: Three Upcoming Bridal Shows

2009-05-03T08:59:00.006-04:00

I am a big fan of bridal shows. I believe this is a great opportunity for Brides to meet and "interview" different vendors all under the same roof. It is also a great way to save money since most vendors offer some sort of promotion for individuals who attended that particular bridal show. So New Jersey brides here are a list of THREE upcoming bridal shows. If you are getting married in this summer and you still didn't choose a photographer or a limo company or if you just got engaged and you are starting the wedding process then these shows are for you.

1. GREAT BRIDAL EXPO

Date and Time: MAY 8, 2009 at 5:30 pm.

Location: New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, New York, NY

Cost: Ticket price is $7 per ticket before the day of the show. Door price, $9.

Contact: (800) 422-3976

2. PRE-WEDDING PARTY EVENT

Date and Time: MAY 14, 2009 AT 7:00 PM

Location: Bloomingdale's, The Shops at Riverside, 400 Hackensacke Ave., Hackensack, NJ

Description: The (very) social registry at Bloomingdale’s and Destination Weddings & Honeymoon magazine invite you to the “Pre-Wedding” Wedding Party event. Join us for a very special evening with wedding industry expert, Jorge Perez of Waterford. Enjoy catering compliments of The Rockleigh Country Club, cake tastings from Carlo’s Bakery, music, floral designs and more. Plus, enjoy fabulous gift bags. Think of this as partying with a purpose.

Contact: To say “I Do,” call (201) 457-2243.

3. MEGA BRIDAL EXPO PRESENTED BY BRIDAL SHOWCASE FOUR SEASON PRODUCTIONS

Date and Time: SEP 30, 2009 AT 6:00 PM

Location: The Bethwood, 38 Lackawanna Ave., Totowa, NJ

Contact: (973) 256-8316

So just grab your girlfriends, bridemaids, or mother/mother-in-law and attend one of these shows. You'll walk away with great contact information, great savings, and of course a gift bag. Happy Planning.

A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time ~Kenesha

Five Quick Tips: Event Planning Guidelines

2009-04-27T13:28:00.004-04:00

Here are some simple guidelines to help you get started. Use these tips to create your own event planning checklist. These rules can be applied to planning a social event, a business conference and everything in between.

Set Goals for your event-whether you are having a sweet 16 that WOWs or planning a company conference, you should know what you hope to accomplish with your event.
Set your event budget-this is a TOP priority. In today's economy we are all learning the art of prioritizing. If the food, music, or audio visual equipment is more important to you then other items (i.e. invitations) may have to be more creative and cost friendly.
Select the date and the location-whether you are hosting the event in your backyard or a convention space, the location determines the mood of your event. Also, your event date affects the cost at most venues. If you MUST use your preferred location then it is generally best to have your event during the winter months (January-early March).
Establish project timeline-assign a deadline for each task so that tasks are accomplished by specific dates. This is particularly important if you are using a host of vendors.
Spread the word-send invitations or promotional materials to friends or consumers to make your event a success.

In my opinion, the most important tip of all is to BE FLEXIBLE. Things may not go as planned. However, if you adhere to the Five Quick Tips, then everything will fall into place. The good thing is no one will know or notice that things did not go according to the master plan.

a K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

A Guide for the Savvy Bride: 10 Wedding Trends

2009-04-26T22:48:00.004-04:00

Here is a list of 10 wedding trends, from Stationery to Transportation, to help guide you as you plan your wedding.

Stationery: Complimentary designs for the Save the Date cards, Invitations, Programs, Place Cards, and Menu Cards. Great (and subtle) way to incorporate your theme from the ceremony straight through to your reception.
GREEN affairs: Environmentally conscious couples may add eco-friendly elements to their wedding (i.e. soy candles) or they may have a completely green wedding that only utilizes local vendors.
Flowers: Bouquets or centerpieces are either monochromatic or of the lush garden variety.
Cakes: Are all about the personalization. Today's couples are combining flavors to accommodate both people or incorporating a fun or whimsical element like a groom's cake that reflects his interests.
Reception: Custom Linens and cool lighting takes a reception from Ehh to WOW
Food and Beverage: Couples are using signature cocktails to match the wedding theme, serving comfort food with a twist, and delectable desserts in order to create a personalized event.
Music: You can expect unusual instruments at the ceremony/reception or a night club style reception.
Photography: The big style in the industry is photojournalism because it tells a story (not your traditional pose and click). Also, more couples are using photo booths or disposable polaroid cameras to capture silly, candid moments.
Transportation: More couples are providing guest transportation whether its a party bus or a trolley for ease and convenience.
Vintage or Previously Enjoyed Wedding Gowns: Brides who are mindful of the economy will wear a vintage-inspired gown OR if they must have that designer gown they may look their dream gown at bridal consignment shops.

A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Quick Tip: Give your Table a Unique Touch with Rose Bowl Centerpieces

2009-04-26T09:53:00.006-04:00

I am constantly looking for ways to jazz up the tablescape at an event. I love Preston Bailey. He's an event designer who has worked with clients such as Oprah Winfrey and Donald Trump. He also joined forces with Sandals resorts in order to offer great packages for Island Destination Weddings. But I digress. I found a video of his Rose Bowl Centerpieces and I had to try it.

This is an easy way to personalize your event by making each guest feel special. I had a small get together at my house and I created 6 small round rose bowls-one for each guest. It was a great conversation starter and a great way for me to try out the rose bowl before recommending it to my clients. These rose bowl centerpieces would be a great addition to smaller, more intimate parties (50 person wedding reception, dinner party, etc) unless you have the time and the help to do it on a grander scale.

A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Wedding Planning| Guide for the Savvy Bride| Look Your Best--Get the Perfect Dress, Part Two

2009-04-26T01:55:00.009-04:00

This is a continuation of our earlier post where we discussed the perfect dresses for women with a straight or a pear shaped body type. As mentioned, Nordstrom's Dress Fit Guide has given me a great parameter. Now let's look at the best dresses for women who have an hourglass, apple, and full bust body shapes. ************************************************************************************ Hourglass: A woman whose body is curvaceous with full bust, defined waist, and full hips, is what Nordstrom's describes as an hourglass physique. The perfect dress in my opinion is one that enhances the woman's natural waist. Dresses that are fitted and emphasize the female form.

Apple:

Nordstrom defines the apple body as a body that has the weight around the middle without a well-defined waist. The perfect dresses for this body type are a) baby dolls, empire waists gowns, or gowns with details on the neckline. All of which draw attention away from the mid section and bring the attention up towards the bride's face. Alternatively, full skirts or A-line styles create an hourglass effect.

Full Bust: When one's bust measurements are fuller than the individual's hips and bottom, Nordstrom's defines this as a Full Bust body type. For a slimming effect, a Bride should wear a dress that has a V or a U neckline. Halter tops with built in support is a great look for women with a fuller bust. Finally, dresses with an A-line skirt will create balance and an overall effect of a classical feminine form.

Happy Shopping! A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Indigo Bleu in the News-Top Ten Finalist in NAWBO-CJ S.E.E.D. Competition

2009-04-26T00:48:00.005-04:00

I am happy to announce that Indigo Bleu was selected as one of the top 10 finalists of the National Association of Women Business Owners Central Jersey Chapter (NAWBO-CJ) S.E.E.D. Business Competition. The competition was about supporting emerging entrepreneurial development. It was a great way to network with other women business owners. I was so thrilled that we were able to be a part of the experience. Fox 5 News' Lisa Murphy (WNYW) covered the event. Here are a few pictures of Indigo Bleu's vendor table as well of pictures of the Winner, Faith Saunders of Keepsakes by Faith. I love her handmade greeting cards. You should definitely check out her website.

Greetings Cards from Keepsakes by Faith

Owner, Faith Saunders

Indigo Bleu's Vendor Table

A Closer look

A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) Until Next Time~Kenesha

A Savvy Bride's Guide| What's In and What's Out for 2009

2009-04-25T23:23:00.002-04:00

I saw an article in Ebony Magazine's March 2009 issue. It focused on all things wedding, from wedding timelines to wedding trends and everything in between. I was thrilled. Since there were so many things covered in the fourteen-paged section, I decided I would share only the trends for 2009. Today's weddings are more personalized with trends falling into one of three categories. Weddings in the year 2009 are a) cleaner, b) more organic, or c) flirtier/ more romantic. Gone are the days of crinoline, cake tiers, and water fountains. Instead, today's brides are looking for simple or modern alternatives.

More and more brides are incorporating eco-friendly elements into their weddings. Green items may include something as simple as potted plants or soy candles.
For a personal touch or for more variety, brides are using cupcakes tiers instead of the traditional wedding cake.
In lieu of favors that may be placed in a closet and forgotten, brides are opting to make a social impact. They are donating to their favorite charity in their guest's name.
Finally, Brides are moving away from the typical floral arrangements that are too large and occupy a majority of the table. Today's brides are looking at flirtier floral options that may include gerbera daisies or orchids.

Whether you are having a lavish event or a backyard affair, you can incorporate any of these four trends in order to make your wedding Spectacular.

A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Quick Tip-Your Neighborhood Cost and Time Saver

2009-04-25T19:55:00.006-04:00

I am a big fan of "warehouse clubs" like Costco. Having a membership card comes in handy when you are planning an event and you forget to get a last minute item. Need flowers?? They sell flowers on the premises or if you have time you can call Costco's distributor and have the flowers you want delivered in only a matter of days. If you are having a get together and need a meal in a snap, try the Corn Husk Tilapia or the Mediterranean Style Stuffed Chicken (hmm, Bacon). Their desserts and frozen appetizers are also a great time saver AND inexpensive too. So if you have an event, whether its a birthday party or backyard barbecue, don't forget to check out the aisles of your neighborhood "warehouse clubs" for some great items at a reasonable price. Who said planning a party had to be costly??? A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Wedding Planning| Free Tools for the Savvy Bride| from your Favorite NJ Wedding Consultant|

2009-03-04T23:28:00.016-05:00

The Devil is in the Details...We have all heard the saying and we have lived long enough to know how true it is. The details can make or break an event; therefore, organization is key! With all the details involved in planning your special day, it is quite easy for budgets to be blow, items to be forgotten, and tempers to flare. In order to keep everything in its place (and keep your family and friends :)), here are some free wedding planning tools that are available for DIY-ers or for any bride who values her sanity.

Online Options: This is perfect for those individuals who are internet savvy and prefer to have everything readily available.

I have mentioned them before and I will mention them again, Wedding Wire (one of my favorite sites) allows busy brides to plan their weddings with their online planning tools (and did I mention it was free). I love the fact that two users are able to access the site under their own names (yay for not sharing passwords). They also offer a Wedding Website, also free, for you to share your thoughts, pictures, and stories with family and friends. Finally, for those who want to have a green wedding or include eco-friendly elements in your wedding, Wedding Wire made that possible. They have a carbon calculator that allows you and your guests to calculate your carbon footprints in order to have a carbon neutral event.
The Knot is another great resource for individuals planning a wedding. Their free planning tools include a monthly or weekly to do list with reminders, a budget and payment tracker, and guest list tracker just to name a few of the features available. In addition to planning and keeping track of all the details, you can also read responses of local brides, look at pictures of real weddings, which is a great way to get ideas for your own day, and find local vendors.
How can we talk about planning a wedding without mentioning Martha Stewart Weddings. Martha Stewart Weddings has everything from etiquette, how-to demonstrations, and of course her free wedding planning tools. You can keep track of your vendors, your guestlists, your budget, and so much more.

Printable: Go ahead-print 'em. These planning templates are for people who need to cross something off their checklist. A to-do-list just isn't the same on a Blackberry. I personally prefer the satisfaction of striking a line through an item on my list.

Cost of Wedding.com offers a free printable Wedding Day checklist from Wedding author Sharon Naylor. This checklist reminds you of all the details you should handle and the order they should be accomplished. The checklist begins at 12+ months before your wedding date; however, I still think it is great for individuals who have only a few months to go. You may not have the amount of suggested time but you can at least ensure you have checked everything off your must-do-list (i.e. obtain marriage license, pack passport for honeymoon, etc).
I love Bonjour Events' site for many reasons. They give great tips, they advertise sales all the time and it is easy to navigate. Bonjour Events offers free templates for those planning anything from a corporate event to a dinner party. The template that I think is a MUST HAVE for someone planning a wedding is the Wedding Budget Spreadsheet.
Wedding Details.com also offers checklists, which you can fill in online and then print it out later. The lists I recommend are: a) Wedding Budget Worksheet (are you beginning to see a theme here), b) Planning Calendar and the Final Phase Calendar (they are good to have but they are not as detailed as the one offered by Sharon Naylor above), c) Wedding Day Timetable (great to have and should be filled out prior to the week before the event rush), and finally, if you want to include your groom-to-be in the planning process, here is a checklist just for him d) Groom's Checklist.

Hope this helps you stay organized and stress-free. Happy Planning from your favorite wedding consultant! A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time. ~Kenesha

Wedding Planning| Guide for the Savvy Bride| Look Your Best--Get the Perfect Dress, Part One

2009-02-26T02:03:00.017-05:00

You have so many things on your to-do-list, but one of the big items is "The DRESS". There are so many dresses to choose from but which one is right for you? The most important thing to remember is that your dress should flatter your figure. On your wedding day, you want to look amazing. As you know, we do not have the same body type so what works for one woman may not work for you. How do you decide which dress is best for you? Well here is a buyer's guide for those savvy brides based on body shapes (straight, pear, hourglass, apple, and full bust). Nordstrom's has a very handy Fit Guide (Thank You Nordstrom's) that I think is very useful. ************************************************************************************ Pear: Nordstrom's describes a woman with a pear shaped body as a woman that has fuller hips and bottom and a smaller top. If this description matches your body type, then you should choose a dress with an open-neck or strapless top to showcase your upper body or a fuller, A-line skirt to deemphasive fuller hips.

Badgley Mischka

Straight: According to Nordstrom's fit guide, you have a straight body type if you have "little definition between the bust, waist, and hip measurements." Therefore the perfect dress for you is one that gives the illusions of curves in the right places. They suggest fitted sheaths, A-line dresses, or Babydolls. The best wedding dress in my opinion for this shape would be an A-line dress to create curves or a fitted sheath with decorative embroidery or gatherings along the upper body to enhance your lines.

Nordstrom's

Badgley Mischka

A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Event Planning| Savvy Ways to Cut Costs without Cutting Style: Dessert

2008-12-18T19:54:00.005-05:00

You are having a wedding reception or a milestone party (i.e. birthday, graduation, or retirement party) and all 50-150+ of your closest friends and family members will be there. You want to impress them and have the party they will never forget (no pressure) BUT you don't want to take out a second mortgage on your house. Well you won't have to because after reading these tips you'll have a classy yet savvy event. Dessert: The new trend of individualized desserts (cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, mini cakes, etc) for your guests is a great way to not only personalize your affair AND save you money. Individual desserts can save costs in one of two ways...both of which gives you two uses for the price of one. I. First, you can use these individual desserts as a centerpiece in lieu of the typical floral option. The centerpiece (mini cake or cupcakes) can be a simpler version of your cake or can compliment your wedding theme by matching the bridesmaids’ dresses, invitations, or the room’s décor…just remember your wedding cake is the focal point. The centerpiece can be placed on a charger, cupcake stand, a toile—anything you want that will match your events’ theme perfectly. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. Just make sure the venue provides each table with a knife if it's required. After the guests watch you cut your cake, they can return to their tables to help themselves…and as we learned in kindergarten, sharing is caring. You save money because you do not have to purchase a traditional centerpiece (flowers, vases, ribbons, or candles) and extra sheet cakes to feed your guests. A two-layer centerpiece is adequate with an eight-inch cake for a smaller gathering or twelve inches for a larger group. Or eight to twelve cupcakes per table based on the seating arrangement. Not only will these centerpieces be a factor your guests will always remember but they will enjoy these edible pieces as well. II. Your individualized desserts can also be the favors for your event. Just place them in a creative container. Your guests will have something unique to take home. You can use monogrammed cookies or cupcakes in any flavor or style that you like. The individualized desserts can match the decoration of your wedding or event cake…the choice is yours. Take it one step further by adding your guest’s name or including a little handwritten note thanking each guest for sharing your day with you. Be careful—more personalization on the part of the baker means additional expenses. However, little notes written or printed by you cost next to nothing. Before making a decision on individualized desserts, comparison shop. Make sure you choose the bakery or the design that is right for you and your budget. The choices are endless since bakers now offer lots of flavors and design options. Happy Planning! a K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

2008-12-18T13:54:00.006-05:00

Hey guys...welcome to Indigo Bleu's blog. I promised it would be full of resources as well as updates on our different projects. So to keep my promise, I've been tirelessly reading bridal magazines (oh the burden of looking at satin, lace, and wedding cakes :), going to local association meetings and reading many a blog to present you guys with the latest in fashion, event trends and most importantly MONEY saving tips.

So visit often, ask questions, and share your planning experiences. A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time ~Kenesha

Savvy Ways to Cut Costs Without Cutting Style: No No No to a Cash Bar

2008-12-18T12:11:00.008-05:00

You are having a wedding reception or a milestone party (i.e. birthday, graduation, or retirement party) and all 50-150+ of your closest friends and family members will be there. You want to impress them and have the party they will never forget without having a cash bar BUT you don't want to take out a second mortgage on your house. Well you won't have to because after reading these tips you'll have a classy yet savvy event. No No No to a Cash Bar: Okay, you are probably wondering how paying for alcohol will save you money. Well trust me (and industry experts). You can still provide your guests with alcohol without having them reach into their wallets and without emptying yours. You can serve beer and: a) a signature drink, b) wine, c) one premium liquor or d) themed drink(s) only (no beer) By limiting the options, you are saving money without breaking the bank AND most importantly, you are still giving your guests what they are expecting (we know a little alcohol livens up the dance floor). a) Signature Drink: For instance, if you serve a signature drink and beer, most everyone will be happy. By having a signature drink, you won’t need to use top-shelf alcohol and your guests will never know. b) Wine: You can substitute the signature drink with wine and serve your favorite type or a variety of house wines. If your guests are wine enthusiasts (like my friends) then provide a variety of wines you know they would enjoy and not the house wine. c) Premium Liquor: You could also serve one premium liquor that can be used in a variety of ways. For example, if you serve gin, your guests could have a gin and tonic, a martini, or a gin daiquiri. d) Themed Drink: For a themed drink, you could serve something that holds a special meaning for you and your fiancé. For instance, if your fiancé proposed while you were on vacation in Cabo, you could serve Coronas and Tequila. Your guests could have margaritas (classic or frozen), a Tequila sunrise, a Conchita or a Caribbean Ice Tea. The possibilities are endless. To make a non-cash bar inexpensive you can do a few things:

First, you can serve alcohol for the first two hours of your event (maybe for one hour at the cocktail hour and for the first hour of the reception). However, please ensure there are enough bartenders so your guests are not standing in line for the entire cocktail hour.
Secondly, you can instruct the bar staff to tell guests that they can only have one glass at a time, however, they can come back as often as he or she would like. This would limit the amount your guests take at one time and will actually limit the number of times they return to the bar for a refill (well at least for some of your guests).
You could also find out from your venue if you can provide the alcohol. If you are able to do so, you can get your alcohol from a wholesaler, which may accept the bottles you did not use and refund you the cost at the end of the event.
If you are not allowed to provide your own alcohol, instruct the bartenders at the venue to serve one bottle at a time. They should not open another until the first is completely empty. This prevents you from having two or three half-empty bottles of the same thing at the end of the night.

Whatever tact you choose your guests will enjoy themselves and so will you and that is the ultimate goal of having your event. Happy Planning!

a K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Savvy Ways to Cut Costs Without Cutting Style: Cocktail Hour

2008-12-18T11:26:00.010-05:00

Cocktail hour or cocktail only reception: Instead of having a buffet, have the venue's wait staff walk around the room with the hor d'oeuvres on trays. This will save money and give the feeling of class you are trying to achieve. Everyone wants to be pampered and catered to and that is true of your guests.

You may be wondering how a silver-trayed service will save you money, well wonder no more. When guest select the food they want on their own, they are more likely to take more than they’ll EVER eat (ain’t that the truth). With a circulating wait staff, your guests will have plenty of options and they won’t take more than they can handle. You could also have the wait staff serve each guest at the buffet station if the circulating wait staff is not an option or do a combination of both.

Another plus is that you can choose at least five different things and make them as distinctive or as fun as you want them to be. The hor d’oeuvres can really reflect the theme you are going for. So have your comfort food with a twist (like a mini Kobe Beef Short Rib Sandwich) or a Foie Gras lollipop. Whatever it may be—pamper your guests with a little attention and just have fun.

The staff at Stage 6 at Steiner Studios executed the cocktail hour perfectly. Each guest was lavished with attention and the choices were amazing. The guests had plenty of options and the food seemed endless. It was a perfect precursor to the Reception that followed.

a K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Wedding Planning| A Guide for the Savvy Bride| Bridal Bailout IV of IV: Online Wedding Marketplace

2008-12-18T00:48:00.013-05:00

There are a lot of wedding websites that allow you to find local vendors, post a review, or read the comments of other brides who are busy planning a dream wedding as well. These online wedding marketplaces or blogs are a great way for you to find deals galore. Sites such as Wedding Wire and Wedalert have vendors listed in your county. Most importantly, they show you wish vendor is offering a special offer just for registering with that online site. Once again, when you mention to vendors where you found them, they know their investment in that medium paid off and they will continue to advertise there...which means more savings for you and your fellow brides. Another forum I love because you find great deals and tips, are wedding blogs like Wedding Bee. You will be amazed at the wealth of information you will find. Brides-to-be talk about different online retailers, vendor specials in your area, or DIY tips. Of course there are the vendor ads on the sites as well. No matter the online forum (marketplace or blog)...with just a little patience and a whole lot of time you will be able to find the things you would like to have at your wedding without the high price tag. That Ivory 100% cotton 5 1/2" W x 7 3/8" L engraved invitation may not be a pipe dream after all...or you just may find the next best thing at a fraction of the cost. The savings are out there if you just take some time to find them. SUMMARY: So let's recap. By taking a little time out of your schedule, you can save hundreds of dollars and still have the wedding of your dreams. Plus attending an expo or surfing the web will keep you from spending money at a restaurant, the movies, or on those killer pair of shoes. So think of it this way, the time you spend finding savings IS actually keeping more money in your pocket. (Your fiance will thank you). Happy Planning! a K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Bridal Bailout III of IV: Local Industry Associations

2008-12-18T00:31:00.005-05:00

If you contact local industry associations like the Association of Bridal Consultants or the International Special Event Society, you can receive a list of vendors in your state. So one Saturday sit back with a cup of tea or glass of wine (depending on the time of day), a notepad, a pen and just surf the web. Most vendors have a website but if they don't, make a list of those you have to call the following weekend. Do not put if off any longer than a week or else you will never call them. You'll be surprised to see how many vendors have a special offer listed on their website or on their blog, especially during their off season. With a little time and perseverance you may be able to find deals on some of the services you need to have the wedding you envisioned...all without breaking the bank. Part Four: Online Wedding Marketplace

a K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Bridal Bailout II of IV: Bridal Expo Discounts

2008-12-18T00:08:00.006-05:00

Most local bridal magazines like (201) Bride or NJ Wedding advertise a list of upcoming Expos and bridal showcases. A majority of these Expos are FREE for brides. If you are in the North Jersey area check out these magazines or their websites and make a day of it. Drag your best friend, your mother, or *gulp* your fiance (the poor guy) and have some fun. You'll walk out of the Expo with free gifts, a chance to win large prizes, and you get to interview some local vendors all under one roof. The best part is you can sign up to receive an email from the vendors you like. When you receive the follow up email or phone call from the vendor, you can take some time to check out the vendor's services. However, the follow-up email usually contains a discount on a service or product. Therefore, you are getting something extra for less from the vendor you want to use. For the few hours you spent one night at a bridal expo you may receive a percentage off of catering services or an upgrade and free leather bound photo album from a photographer--all things that you may not have purchased before because they were outside of your budget. Definitely take advantage of these FREE bridal expos because a few minutes of your time can save you some money or earn you a free gift...and you just may have some fun there too! Part Three: Local Industry Associations

a K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Bridal Bailout I of IV: Your Time Equals Money

2008-12-17T23:20:00.009-05:00

With everything going on with the economy, I understand your reservation about spending money on what you may consider a luxury. That makes sense. But I am here to tell you that now more than ever, things are on SALE. We are inundated with signs saying "everything must go", "buy one and get the other 50% off", just to name a few. It seems like everyone, from brick and mortar stores to online retailers, have a sale this season...and wedding vendors do as well. So take advantage of it.

It may require a little more time on your part but as the saying goes, "time equals (more) money"...in your pocket. Most wedding vendors offer discounts to individuals who:

attended an Expo or bridal showcase where the vendor had a table
signed up to for the vendor's newsletter to receive special offers, or
noticed the vendor's ad in a bridal publication or on a website

The key to remember is most vendors invest money in attending shows and/or advertising. When you mention how or where you saw them and book an event with them, they know that investment was a good one for them...and for you as well.

So take advantage of these "sales". Yes, it will take some time (attending an expo, sorting through emails you receive after subscribing on a vendor's website, or going online to find local vendors) but it is worth it...and it's FREE.

Part Two: Bridal Expo Discounts a K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha