posted by
New Orleans Weddings Magazine
at
2:31 PM (2/2012)
By: Thelisia Davis
Bridal Event 2012 is right around the corner! We're excited! You're excited! But before we get carried away, we have to consider some things you may need to get the most from this event - or any bridal show for that matter.
Here are a few things for you to...
Bring:
- A notebook and a pen or pencil. Guaranteed, you'll see things that you love. Take notes so you don't forget things like, the name of a designer for a gown you liked or price quotes from a particular vendor.
- A list of questions. Having a list of questions ready and written down will ensure you will remember your most important ones.
- A bag. You'll need something to put all the paper and other things you acquire in.
- A friend. You're wedding planner. You're maid of honor. You're fiancé. Make sure it's someone who will give you an honest opinion. And they can help you carry everything.
- Your appointment book. Make appointments to discuss your wedding in depth on a later date if you want to. Or you might want to book something right on the spot depending on the date you've set for your wedding and the vendor's availability.
- Comfortable shoes! You will be spending a considerable amount of time on your feet, visiting the various booths and getting their information. You do not want to come away from the show feeling like your feet barely made it out of a war zone.
Get:
- Tickets. Discount advance tickets are available online at neworleansbridalevent.com until Sunday. Also, tickets can be purchased at the door for $15. All transactions will be in cash.
- Focused. Keep in mind the ideas you have for your wedding already. This way you'll have a general direction for what you are looking for. Your questions will be more precise. Your chances of receiving more precise answers are higher. And while you'll stay open to new ideas, you will not be all over the place.
- ANSWERS! Ask every question you have written in your notes and any other you can think of. You want your wedding to go perfectly and the wedding professionals do as well. Questions are one of the first steps to getting there.
- Business Cards and/or Brochures. If a vendor has brochures, write on their literature what you like about them and why. It will make it easier to remember who made you feel how when you get home. Also, write down any good tips they might give you to help you remember who was knowledgeable and helpful.
- One Last Good Look. Before you leave, do a once around. Make sure you didn't miss anyone, check to see if you have all the business cards or literature you need, make sure you asked every question you wanted to, or just give that baker you really liked a "I'll be calling you later" nod.
A bridal show is meant to inspire! From the plethora of vendors to a showcase of gowns, we are sure you'll come away from it all with a euphoric feeling and assurance that you are on your way to planning your dream wedding. Remember to have fun, don't forget to pick up the new issue of New Orleans Weddings Magazine at the N.O.W booth and congratulations on your engagement!
Bridal Event 2012 is Monday, February 27, 2012 at the New Orleans Museum of Art. To learn more about the show,
posted by
New Orleans Weddings Magazine
at
10:26 AM (2/2012)
By: Jeanne Lyons - New Orleans Weddings Magazine
What do Mardi Gras and weddings have in common? Both are fabulous excuses to celebrate with close friends!
With Carnival season coming to an end, I am reminded that New Orleans embodies the spirit of Fat Tuesday 365 days a year, making it the perfect destination for brides-to-be and their beloved girlfriends to celebrate upcoming nuptials, but fiancé-free!
New Orleans offers endless venues for a festive bachelorette bash. Is there a better city in the world to let the good times roll before a wedding? Nope. Not even Las Vegas can outdo the authenticity of the Big Easy's soulful music, southern food and charming people, especially during Mardi Gras (and without a tiger in the bathroom!)
Where to stay
Whether a bride-to-be was raised a block off the streetcar line or resides outside the 504 area code, anyone can have a fabulous pre-wedding weekend in New Orleans.
The city offers an array of hotels that cater toward all budgets and atmospheres. Historic hotels offer nostalgic charm with modern amenities. For a more contemporary setting, try a boutique hotel. These intimate hotels provide exceptional customer service with a home-away-from-home ambiance.
Eat, drink, get married
Swap the pearl necklace for a string of Mardi Gras beads and hit the city for great food and cocktails. Take the streetcar uptown, channel Betty Draper and toast the bride-to-be with martinis for a Friday lunch.
After an afternoon shopping on Magazine Street, treat yourselves to a fabulous dinner or find exceptional grub at countless restaurants that cover the city's streets.
Drinks at Pat O'Briens are a must. Located on Bourbon Street, where everyday is Mardi Gras, patrons enjoy the setting of a piano bar meets Total Request Live. Order cocktails, request your college's alma mater on a napkin and don't forget to tip thimble-tapping Allen and the talented piano players.
Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
Another thing weddings and Mardi Gras have in common is dancing. Lots of dancing. And a girl's weekend in the Carnival City requires excessive hair swinging, hip shaking and arm swaying dance moves.
The ladies can honor the beloved Whitney Houston's hit song at dance-your-pants-off hot spots which is always a good idea.
And remember- it's New Orleans. Dancing in the streets is an option.
It's not where you are, it's who you're with (as long as you're in New Orleans)
A pre-wedding girl's weekend in to the Crescent City before a bride-to-be says "I do" captures the spirit of her friendships just like floats and costumes capture Carnival season.
So attention future brides: come to New Orleans, let your hair down with your favorite comrades, and before you go down the aisle, go to the Mardi Gras!
posted by
New Orleans Weddings Magazine
at
12:26 PM (2/2012)
By Katie Mercer
New Orleans is an exciting place not only because of the history, food, and spirits, but also because of the famous sporting events that encapsulate special weekends throughout the year. This sporting craze does the impossible—it makes New Orleans even more eventful than before. Yet, for many newly engaged brides, the last thing on their wedding agenda is football. When the season rolls around, brides find themselves double booked on significant games…and sometimes it is the game of the year. What do you do when your big day falls on the same day as the big game? N.O.W. Magazine knows how to accommodate you, as well as your guests during your football wedding weekend!
Considering Your Groom
Although your wedding falls on a football weekend, that does not mean you will need to tailor your decorations to the occasion. However, allowing the groom to incorporate his favorite team will give your wedding the fun touch all brides want. Whether your groom is a Saints fan or a college ball fan, he can always share his spirit by selecting these special items for your wedding: a fleur de lis or stadium grooms cake, football-inspired cufflinks, New Orleans fashion vests and ties, and changing into his jersey at the end of the reception (or maybe just wearing it under his tuxedo shirt). Whatever little touches you decide on, make sure to have fun with it! If you are a bride who would like to go all out with football themed decorations, just make sure your maid-of-honor doesn’t tackle the best man.
Cake Courtesy of Gambino's Bakery
Football vs. Wedding
One dilemma many brides face during football weekends is the risk of some guests not coming because of the game playing at the same time. If you have any inclination that your wedding will fall during a pivotal game, it might be beneficial to your turnout to have a TV at the bar or the DJ announcing scores consistently throughout the night. Make sure to communicate this to your guests by placing this announcement on the back of driving directions, through email, or social media groups. However, this must be done discreetly because this is your wedding, not a football party. Your guests should understand that this day is once in a life time, so celebrate your wedding day like you have always dreamed.
The Crowd Goes Wild
Tourists gravitate to New Orleans during sporting events even if the major game is played in another state. This is a fun, lively city to cheer for your favorite team, regardless of where the game is. The French Quarter is packed with fans celebrating at their favorite bars, gearing up for a celebration in the streets, or finding comfort in a cold drink to take away the feeling of defeat…and your wedding is happening. Especially if you are an out-of-town bride, it is important to plan for your wedding party and guests to safely arrive and depart from your wedding. Providing them with directions and accurate transportation will make your wedding run more smoothly. Researching the times of sporting events will also give you a clearer picture of what to prepare for. Discussing any concerns with your transportation company will help you prepare your wedding guests for potential hold-ups. Planning smartly for your New Orleans wedding will put you at ease, as well as avoid potential stress on your wedding day.
Football Eats and Treats
Even the most sophisticated weddings can provide guests with football-inspired hors d'oeuvres and entrees. These football eats are sure to be a win at the wedding game of your life: Buffalo chicken breasts with fresh bleu cheese crumbles, gourmet mini-pizzas with flatbread or focaccia crust, beer-battered shrimp with whisky infused barbeque sauce, buffalo chicken dip included in the cheese display, freshly made guacamole with olive oil, baked chips, mini-crab cake and hamburger sliders with alternative toppings (pesto, remoulade, carrots, jalepenos, Fontina or Havarti cheese), strawberry daiquiri martinis, and of course, fillet mignon wrapped in bacon!
We hope that your wedding weekend is everything that you dreamed it would be. New Orleans is a city where dreams come true and legends are made. Have an incredible wedding weekend to all of our legendary brides!