Terrific Find Tuesday - Hallak Cleaners

Today I went on a tour of  Hallak Cleaners.  It was the coolest thing I've done all month.  I know the first thing you may wonder is how much fun can I have a cleaners? Rest assured that Hallak Cleaners is far from just an "ordinary" cleaners. 

photos from Hallak.com

The decor and colors of the cleaners make you feel so comfortable upon walking in.  It just puts you into a great mood, along with the front of the store staff that is very friendly and helpful.  I had the honor of receiving a warm greeting from John-Claude Hallak, VP of Hallak Cleaners & Donna Serino who spearheads the bridal gown preservation division, they then took me on a behind the scenes tour of the Hackensack, NJ location and that is where the fun began!  (Please note there is a NY location. See below for details).

photo from Hallack.com

I was able to get a mini course in all the equipment that is used to make their magic happen.  They had a lot of fancy gadgets and the automation & tracking of each item that comes in was mind blowing.  However, I was most impressed by the fact that they have a person(really nice lady) who actually inspects every item before it goes back to the customer.  Nothing leaves the grounds before it gets her stamp of approval.

So WHY do you ask this EVENT PLANNER  touring a Cleaners? For two reasons:

1) The employees are GREAT
2) The EXCELLENT reputation they have for cleaning and preserving your wedding gown.

You have invested THOUSANDS of dollars into your wedding dress, why not invest in making sure its handled with care after your big day?  I highly suggest that all brides-to-be who read this blog post contact them to learn more about their gown preservation process.  What was truly impressive to me was the passion, skill, & excellence that the Hallak family and its employees operate with daily.  I could see the pride and passion that John brings to his business and that alone sold me.  I will be telling all our brides about this great service.  As  BONUS they also provide alterations if you need before wedding day.

Suzanne DeChillo/The New York Times
click here for full -article by Robin Fin

Please take a moment to check out Hallak Cleaners & tell them Your Big Day sent you.

Hallak Cleaners Contact Information
http://www.hallak.com/

New York Location
1232 Second Avenue (at 65th)

New York, NY 10065
212.832.0750


Hackensack Location172 Johnson Avenue
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201.343.7333

Toll Free: 888.343.2111
Fax: 201.343.0223

Happily planning,

Your Big Day
http://www.yourbigdayllc.com/
mailto:info%7B@%7Dyourbigdayllc%7Bdot%7Dcom
908-206-4107

Matrimony Mondays - Make It Work

Happy Matrimony Monday! We know that as engaged couples you spend a vast amount of time focused on planning the wedding day event, so we are using Mondays to provide you with relationship-focused tips to help you make it to the wedding day and stay strong in your marriage life. Contrary to the romance novels and fairy tales, once you get married it's not happily every after. For a marriage to last, it takes work. Today, we are arming you with some tools that if you start to implement now, will help to make life more blissful:

Flatter Me Daily

BettyConfidential.com

Compliments, no matter how small go a long way. Make it a mission to applaud your significant other on something specific they did on a daily basis. If you focus your energy on trying to figure out what they did right, you won’t have time to nitpick on all the little issues. Besides, tomorrow, not even the next second is promised. Make an effort to show your appreciation to those you love while they can still appreciate the gesture. Doling out daily and specific compliments may seem like something not easily maintained, but just take it one step at a time and remember:“

       Good habits, once established are just as hard to break as are bad habits." - Robert Puller 

Don’t Go To Bed Angry

Semi-Coherent Thoughts

 

Starting now make it a rule that whenever you have disagreements, you will not go to bed angry at each other - no matter what. Even if you don't argue, if either one of you feel disappointed or let down by your other half, hash it out; don’t let it fester. It’s never good to let things fester, it will only get worse and make things harder to be resolved. This may seem like it's unreasonable since some issues faced are too big to get resolved in just one day, but that's not what we are suggesting. Soon, you will be making the vow to be faithful partners to each other in good times and in bad. Marriage is in no terms an easy path; you will have really good times together and bad, tumultuous ones. When the going gets tough, you will have to constantly remind each other that you decided to go down this path, together, because you love each other. When you have your big arguments and don't see eye to eye, before you go to sleep make it an effort to say to each other, 'I'm not happy with you right now, I might still be unhappy with you when I wake up, but I married you because I love you enough to work through the bad times, together.' 

Have 'Me' Time 

Are we asking you to spend time apart? Yes! It doesn't hurt, once in awhile. Heard of the expression “absence makes the heart grow fonder”?  Well, it has some merit. Planning a wedding is a very stressful experience and allowing each other some time to focus on just yourselves can relieve some stress. You will also notice a decrease in bickering that usually comes from too much time together in stressful situations. Give each other some breathing space and focus on your individual hobbies - you won’t regret it.

Marriage is hard work. While preparing for your wedding day, don't forget to work on preparing for your life as a married couple. Marriage is not just the wedding day, it's the rest of your lives.

Happily Planning,

Your Big Day
http://www.yourbigdayllc.com/
info{at}yourbigdayllc{dot}com
908-206-4107 

Matrimony Monday

It’s Matrimony Monday! We are here to provide our weekly tips about how you can build and strengthen your relationship while planning your wedding. When it comes to planning a wedding it can be completely stressful for the bride and groom, sometimes you loose focus on whats most important and why your planning the wedding in the first place. During the wedding planning take some time to show each other why you choose each other for your happily ever after. Here are just a few ideas to go with.


SPA DAY

What is a abetter way to remove some stress and tension?!? Plan a day for you and your love to be go relax at a spa together. Look into the couples treatments, this form of massage can offer a double dose of benefits. The tandem treatment invites couples to get a bit closer and reconnect, and it can enhance intimacy and teach each partner how to take care of the other. Plus, select spas allow lovebirds to get in sync by offering sessions that teach massage techniques. Pampering and rejuvenating facials, massages, and other treatments in a private day or a full day can make up a whole spa package for couples.




Dinner For TWO

Maybe you want to plan a intimate night at home, Try cooking dinner together get a bottle of wine light the candles and  make it a night to remember.  Create that world class restaurant experience right at home. What a great way to show that the romance has not gone away and  its still very much important to you.   Make it your business not to talk about the wedding while enjoying your dinner shut the cell phones off turn on some music or even put a movie in and just enjoy the night. 


 LOVE CHECK-IN

Don’t Forget about your love check ups! Take some time to go for a walk in the park, on the beach, even if you just walk in your neighborhood. Don’t get so caught up with the planning that you forget to talk to each other and just take that time to download to each other your concerns. Make sure you  both are committed to scheduling that me time where you can just sit and talk to each other. Don’t put it off because you don’t have time.  Your always going to need that time to open up to each other emotionally even after you walk down that aisle. If you use this time to discuss situations that may be bothering you OR just to pay a compliment.  You will begin to position your marriage great communication methods to help you handle other issues that will arise even after your married.








Happily Planning!!!

XOXOXOXO

Your Big Day
http://www.yourbigdayllc.com/
info@yourbigdayllc.com
908-206-4107
 

Find Them Fridays: KV Carriage

Friday's finally here! TGIF!!! One of the great things about Fridays are that they are a start to the much needed weekend. Now, we have another reason for you to look forward to Fridays: our new weekly segment - 'Find Them Fridays.' Every week on 'Find Them Fridays,' we will be bringing great and interesting wedding professionals right to your screen. We know that you spend a lot of time stressing over what services to get and wedding professionals to choose on your wedding day, so we have scoured the 'net to help ease your stress.

In light of the much talked about nuptials of Prince Williams and Kate Middleton, we decided to present you with a wedding professional that could help you have your own version of a fairytale wedding: KV Carriage. KV Carriage provides a fairytale experience for all special occasions whether it be for a marriage proposal or your wedding day. Having over 40 years of professional experience working with horses, this New Jersey based company offers memorable experiences on their formal horse drawn carriages and horses. They customize their services to your needs to ensure they make your experience special to you. For those planning ethnic weddings, they also specialize in Asian weddings.

If you're interested in having a horse drawn carriage or even just a horse send you off into the sunset, why not check out KV Carriage's website for yourself at www.kvcarriage.com or contact them:

Kathy & Vito Sperduto
KV Carriage, LLC
Hackettstown, NJ
908-852-4812
info@kvcarriage.com

{all photos courtesy of KV Carriage}


Happily Planning,

Your Big Day
http://www.yourbigdayllc.com/
info{at}yourbigdayllc{dot}com
908-206-4107

The Man Thursday - Groom's Lounge

Welcome to "The Man" Thursdays here at Your Big Day.   We will be posting ideas specifically geared toward guys as it relates to all things wedding and events.  I hope you enjoy!

Yesterday we suggested to allow the groom to become more involved in the wedding planning.  Today, I wanted to take it a step further, Groom Lounge.  Yes that's right a space at the wedding that the groom allow a little piece of himself to shine through.  It may get a little lost sometimes in the pink decor the bride just had to have. 

So fellas this one is for you. A few elements you can use to hook - up your lounge.

The lounge doesn't have to be a huge space or in a separate room.  It can be as simple as  a small space on the inside of the ballroom, or if you have a patio or outside space.

Here are my top 3 favorite Groom's Lounge Elements:

Table Games - Why not rent some table top games like a pool table, Foosball.  It allows for a couple of players to interact at one time.  Allows the groom and his friends some time to chat it up a bit, while they can still focus on things going on around around.

www.slava-slavik.com

Cigar Roller - Yes, there is something about a new beginning that makes guys want to whip out a cigar.  Wedding Day, Children's births, & Retirement all bring out the urge for a cigar in a man.  Why not create a space where they actually watch the artistry of the process. If you are having a spring/summer wedding it may be nice to place this outside if your ballroom has a patio connected to it.

www.litratophoto.com

Gaming Area - Do you like video games? You can ask your DJ if they have screens and gaming systems such as Wii that will allow you and you boys to get enjoy a little friendly virtual competition.  You might want to invite the ladies over for some fun. As well.


So Guys if you looking to put your stamp on Your Big Day.  Don't forget to carve out your own little groom area to let your hair down.


xoxoxo

Happily Planning,

Your Big Day
http://www.yourbigdayllc.com/
info{at}yourbigdayllc.com
908-206-4107

WEDDING WEDNESDAY!!!!

Happy Wedding Wednesday !!!

We here at YOUR BIG DAY want all couples to have a stress free Wedding Day. We pride ourselves in making sure your day is planned to a T. For those brides are planning their wedding with a planner or on your own, here are some helpful tips to make sure its a unforgettable wedding.

SET A WEDDING BUDGET

Even if you are a gazillionare, you need to set a budget for your wedding. Once a budget is set, the next step is to determine how much you need to save to accommodate your wedding budget.  When planning a wedding its important to not go over your budget, as a wedding planner it is our job to make sure we put our clients needs and wants are met.  However, having a beautiful wedding does not mean you have to break your budget there are plenty of ways to splurge and save and get exactly what you want with out loosing track of your budget.  Bides must remain realistic and how your finances may be affected after you walk down the isle. Its important to know what are the most important items to have at your wedding and what you can do with out. We want to make sure every client is getting the most bang for your buck!!.

PICK THE RIGHT VENDOR

When picking your wedding vendors make sure it’s someone who you have great chemistry with, and will have no problem with executing your vision for your wedding. When dealing with wedding professionals (caterers, florists, photographer, etc.), You want to make sure that its clear exactly what you are expecting of them for your wedding. Make sure you give clear details and have everything in writing down to the very last detail. You don’t want to run the risk of not writing something down or it was only verbally discussed and come wedding day its not there. Clarify all the details and your expectations of the vendor during the initial consultation. Negotiate the best deal for all products and services, it’s your wedding so make sure you feel comfortable with the price your spending for the products or services you will be receiving. Most importantly, be sure to read the fine print on every contract before you sign it, ask what the cancellation policy just incase you change your mind or need to postpone your wedding.

GET THE GROOM INVOLVED

Often times the bride is the one doing all the planning for the wedding and the groom is assigned a select few tasks. To make sure you are not over stressed with handling all the duties of planning the wedding. Make sure your groom is taking on the same load of planning as you are. Don’t make him feel like he is just paying to show up for the wedding. Let him take the lead give him a list of half the items that need to be planned and allow him to make decision yes, you will need to communicate with each other to make sure both of you are okay with the finial decision. Having the groom involved will make your wedding planning a lot easier. 

HAPPY PLANNING!!!

Terrific Finds: Non-Floral Centerpieces

Hey Brides and Grooms! Welcome to our new weekly segment, 'Terrific Find Tuesdays.' Every Tuesday, we will be bringing you unique and fun ideas that won't bust your wedding budget. Our goal is to provide you with inspirations that you can incorporate on your wedding day.

First, let's start off with a quick game of word association. What comes to mind when you see the words: Wedding Centerpiece? Well, it would be safe to assume that a majority of you answered flowers without even giving it a second thought. It's not surprising, since flowers are one of the most popular and widely used forms of centerpieces at wedding receptions. With all the fantasy wedding reality shows out there displaying fabulously elaborate floral masterpieces, couples everywhere are vying to recreate them in their own weddings. However, beautiful as flowers are, creating a floral display on multiple tables can sometimes become expensive. Now, don't fret if having a grand floral centerpiece will put you over your budget. Just take a look at these fabulous budget friendly alternatives.

Fruit
When it comes to centerpieces, we usually see fruits taking on the supporting role. Don't underestimate the star power of the fruit. With the wide variety of fruit in an assortment of colors, there are many directions you can take with nature's sweets. They can add a nice splash of color that could light up a room just as well as any flower.

{Martha Stewart Weddings}

{Canada Bride}

Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are usually placed on the reception tables; why not having them as the focal point?

{Martha Stewart Weddings}

Lampshade Centerpieces
Lampshades are a fun, unique, and quirky trend that will be sure to add some pizazz at your reception. You can play around with the lighting to give off a nice effect at each table.

{Cocktails Details}

{Cocktails Details}

Candy Galore!
Any centerpiece that satisfies the sweet tooth is sure to be a hit among your guests. A candy-fied diversion is definitely an eye catcher and will bring out the child in all. What's even better than candy centerpieces....saving money! Have your sweet centerpieces also serve as wedding favors to cut down on costs.

{BridalBuds}

It's 'All about You'
Instead of having your guests fawn over a floral display, how about using your centerpiece to reinforce you and your love as the day's focal point...your wedding day IS all about you. Have different portraits set up with some trivia about you. This is a nice personal touch and a great way to share more about your journey as a couple with your guests.

{Pearl Events Austin}

{Offbeat Bride}

So, if having a floral centerpiece will put you over your wedding budget, don't panic - there are great alternatives out there. Instead, we hope that the suggestions we have provided inspire you to think outside the box and find the right fit for your wedding.


Happily Planning,

Your Big Day
http://www.yourbigdayllc.com/
info@yourbigdayllc.com
908-206-4107

Matrimony Monday - Little Things

Welcome to our new series Matrimony Monday! We will be providing weekly tips about how you can build and strengthen your relationship while planning your wedding. Engaged couples have plenty of resources that will show you great design, color palettes, and wedding day inspiration. These things are all wonderful tools and we love blogging about them.  We wanted to use Monday as a way to remind engaged couples why they are picking out the perfect dress, centerpiece, and ceremony music...Their LOVE for each other.

We know that you love your future spouse. You probably say it a million times per day. How about allowing your actions to speak for you too... It's the little things that count. Little acts of love and kindness go a long way. We have found 3 things you can do to help show some appreciation to the LOVE of your life.



1) Love Notes - Leave a nice love note in your sweetie's briefcase, laptop or lunch bag. Tell them how their presence in your life makes your day better even on the rough days.

2) Love Check-ups - Don't get so caught up with the planning that you forget to check - in with each other on a regular basis to TALK. Make sure you schedule time for a regular check – up with each other emotionally.  It can be daily, weekly, or monthly which ever fits your style.   Be sure to honor your scheduled time just like you would an important meeting with your manager. Use this time to discuss every thing from situations that may be bothering you to reinforcing how much you love each other.

3) Schedule Some Recreational Time - pick an activity that will help you create memories. Whether a cooking class, dance lessons, or ice skating or anything else you may like to do. Find an activity that allows you to work together, be a little competitive, and just have some fun.

These are just a couple tips that we hope you can us to strengthen your bond while planning your wedding. Don't forget these small actions can be easily transferred over to your married life as well.


Do you have any tips to add? We'd love to hear them?

Happily Planning!
Your Big Day Event & Party Planning
http://www.yourbigdayllc.com/
info{at}yourbigdayllc{dot}com

We're Back!

We haven't blogged in a while and we wanted let everyone know we are back in  action.  Stay tuned for exciting post starting on Monday, April 4, 2011.  We can't wait!

Have a wonderful and safe weekend!