Hmmmm what to wear?

OK so you have a fab event to attend or you're hosting a party and you have nothing to wear. Do you run out and buy a dress you'll probably wear once? Not anymore! Try Rent The Runway. They have the latest designer dress at a fraction of the cost. Why buy when you can rent? Not only do they offer amazing cocktail dresses and gowns, but they also have accessories. Check it out and become a member!

Holiday Surprise

Ready or not, the holidays are just around the corner. Pretty soon many of us will begin to send and receive invites for various parties. If you're planning to host a party, make it fun for your guests.

Try coming up with a theme that's not so obvious, but very festive. Last year I hosted a party in my NYC apartment and the theme was Night Under the Moroccan Sky. Everyone enjoyed the festive decor and food. This year's theme is Hollywood Holiday. Stay tuned for pics and DIY decor ideas.

What are some of your fav party ideas? I would love to hear them!

Don't Go There!

Have you ever told a friend you wanted to buy something and she purchased the same thing? It can be infuriating! Now imagine you told a friend about your wedding, bridal or baby shower ideas and she stole your ideas because she happened to get married or have a baby first. LADIES THIS IS A HUGE NO NO!!!!! Don't do it, it's not worth it.

If the idea never crossed your mind before, don't cross your friend by stealing her ideas from her dream day.

xoxo,

Ayana

FAQs

Every once in a while a few of you ask questions and I thought I would share the answers with everyone.

1. If I have a evening wedding can I serve heavy passed hors d'oeuvres?

I do not recommend this. When you are inviting guests to an evening wedding, they are expecting dinner. If you cannot afford a seated dinner, consider having stations or a buffet.

2. Do I have send everyone an invitation?

YES! Do not skip family members because you think they will attend anyway. This is really rude and cheap.

3. How far in advance should I send out invitations?

If your wedding is near a holiday or not local, send out invitations 4-6 months in advance, especially if many of your guests need to make travel arrangements. Otherwise, send out invitations 2 months in advance.

4. Do I have to serve alcohol at the wedding?

You don't have to serve alcohol if it is against your beliefs. If you are trying to save money I suggest serving just wine. You can also consider creating one or two signature drinks that will be served all night.

5. When is the best time to buy my gown?

I suggest looking for your gown at least 6 months in advance. If you are buying a designer gown, these gowns often take 4 months to be delivered. You also want to allow time for alterations.

Keep sending in your questions!

xoxo,

Ayana

Event Planning Block?

Hey Planners,

Every once in a while I get writers block and you may notice I don't post for a while. Well it's just like having a block on creative wedding ideas. I have the perfect solution for you! I suggest purchasing a few wedding idea books.

My favorite are by the FABULOUS Preston Bailey. If you don't know who he is, Google him ASAP!. He is the one of the most sought after wedding planners in the country. If you don't have time to make it the book store, try ordering them from Amazon.

Here are a few of his books. Happy planning!

Amazing DIY Ideas

We are officially in a recession, but your wedding or event shouldn't suffer. You may have to enlist the help of your close friends and family, but you will save a lot of money. The reception is the most expensive part of a wedding and you don't want your guests to know that you had a tight budget. Below are a few money saving tips an ideas.

1. If do not have a huge flower budget, consider using vases of different heights and shapes as your center piece. You can fill them with a single flower of your choice, colored water and crystals or pearls.

Available at CB2 for $3.95

Available at Fire Mountain Gems as low as $3.00 per strand of 16 crystals

2. Avoid using white as one of your main colors. A lot of white space will make your venue seem a bit scarce. Try using a bold color instead as your main color for decoration. A colored table cloth is usually the same price as a white table cloth. Just ask your venue or rental company.

3. Use a lot of candle light to illuminate your venue. This will give your reception a romantic luxe feel.

4. Consider an adding an accent color to your reception that was not present in during the ceremony. For example if your ceremony colors are red and white, try adding a touch of metallic eggplant to your reception. If your colors are Tiffany Blue and chocolate brown, add a bit of fuchsia to your flowers.

5. Order your flowers online and enlist the help of a freelance floral designer. Try the Flower Exchange. They offer roses, gerbera daisies, calla lilies, orchids and much more. Prices range from $8.95 per bunch of 10 daisies to about $17.50 for a bunch of 10 orchids.

6. Request a fancy napkin fold. Your venue should do this at no extra cost.

7. Print out your menu cards yourself instead of having a printing company do this.

Have any questions about more ways to save money? Just email me!

Happy Planning!!!

xoxo,

Ayana

Welcome

Hello everyone! As many of you know I used to write another blog, but I'm focusing my attention on all events, not just weddings. This blog will focus on great party ideas, wedding themes and everything in between!

Stay tuned for updates!