Q:  What does the term “permanent cosmetic makeup” actually mean?

A:  Permanent cosmetics, also known as cosmetic tattooing, is actually tattooing specially formulated pigment into your skin.

Q:  What do brides-to-be come to you for, typically?

A:  They come to me for different situations they are facing that pertain to their wedding day look. Often it’s eyeliner, eyelash enhancement or even eyebrows they are seeking.   As they plan their honeymoon, they realize they will be doing all sorts of water sports and activities that will be photographed and want to look great in these pictures without having “make up” on.

I also see very often the mothers of the brides and grooms — even aunts and other family members who come to me during the wedding planning process. They almost always want eyebrows. Years of tweezing, waxing or shaving them have left them with no hair on their brow-line and they are forced everyday to draw them on. They dread this process. So when they find me, they are so happy and relieved they can lose the pencil once and for all. Very often these same women opt for adding eyeliner and lips to complete their new fresher face.

Q:  How safe are permanent cosmetics and can anyone apply them?

Permanent cosmetics are completely safe if they are done by a licensed, certified technician, like me, in a licensed, certified, insured facility. This is permanently on your face.  So you’d want to make sure your technician is highly qualified and comes highly recommended.  Also, anyone following the proper procedures will be expensive, as it costs them money to keep up their business expenses, licenses, insurance, rent etc. You do not want to go the least expensive person to do this. Chances are they are not up to code, or even have much experience and they are practicing on you.

Q: Is it a painful experience?

I use topical anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. There are different anesthetics that are approved for different areas of the body.

Q:  Are there any downsides for brides-to-be?

No downside at all!  Just think, you can look your best all the time, from first thing in the morning — no more Rocky Raccoon eyes from leftover mascara from last night if you fell asleep with your make up on.

Thank you, Karon!   For a free consultation, call 631-427-9684.

Q:  Do I have to give an engagement gift?
A:  The answer is no and yes. If the couple just got engaged, you are certainly welcome to give them a congratulatory gift, but no, you are not obligated to give them one. However, those who are very close to the bride and/or groom, often get a small gift to help assist in planning a wedding such as a wedding planner.  If you are invited to an engagement party and the invitation does not specify NOT to bring gifts, than yes – you are obligated to buy a gift. Since chances are small that they will have registered for anything yet, you can let your imagination run free when choosing something for them. If you need a little more direction — traditionally gifts for an engagement party center around entertaining & home decor such as personalized wine glasses or a piece of artwork.

Q:  Oh, wedding registry, where art thou?
A:  If you think the betrothed are registered, but you don’t know where, check out our registry finder at www.gifts.com which includes the registries of some of the most popular retailers. If you can’t find their registry, double check the invitation (sometimes gift information is included for your convenience). Otherwise, don’t feel shy about asking the parents of the bride or groom, a bridesmaid, groomsman,  Aunt Eloise or better yet, the happy couple themselves.

Q:  What’s an appropriate gift for the bridal shower?
A:  By the time the (first) bridal shower occurs, the couple should have a complete registry from which to choose a gift. Traditionally, shower gifts are chosen from the wedding registry, usually centering around the kitchen (kitchen appliances, cookware, etc.) often called a “wishing well” shower. Non-registry gifts are usually lingerie, make sure the gift will not “offend” the hostess and/or other guests before deciding. If you are unsure, it is probably wiser to hold off until the bachelorette party.

Q:  If I am attending more than one bridal shower, do I have to get a gift for each one?
A:  If you are invited to more than one bridal shower, chances are you are either related and/or in the wedding party. If that is the case and you have helped organize/plan/throw the Shower – you are not required to also buy her a gift for that particular shower. If you are strictly a guest and you haven’t been specifically told otherwise, you are expected to give a gift at both showers. If money is tight — try finding something on the registry you can split up into two gifts, such as kitchen gadgets, or better yet, make her something meaningful such as a scrapbook filled with quotes you think will inspire her in the years ahead.

Q:  How much should I spend on a wedding gift?
A:  The proper wedding gift etiquette is as follows: give what you can afford. An unofficial rule of thumb is to give no less than the approximate cost of the meal for you and your escort, which should keep your wedding gifts under $100. (Major metropolitan areas will often run higher.) If you are going to go this route — take a best guess based on day of week, time of day & venue — but under NO circumstances should you ask the couple how much the reception costs!

Q:  Is it Ok to buy something not on the registry?
A:  The great thing about buying from the couple’s bridal registry is that they’re guaranteed to like it (after all, they did register for it!) However, if you want to take the time and gift outside the box…then go for it! Just make sure it’s not too similar to something already on their registry (i.e. don’t get them a serving bowl if they’ve already registered for a few.) Try to include a gift receipt, just in case they (ack!) don’t “appreciate” it or have already received something comparable. If you are thoughtful and buy a unique wedding gift based on their taste and not yours, they are sure to always remember which gift was from you.

Q:  Is it acceptable to give cash as a wedding present?
A:  While far more impersonal, giving the couple money is absolutely acceptable (and often more appreciated!) However, if you do decide to give money – it is better to write a check instead of cold cash. If it’s before the wedding, make it out to either the bride (using her maiden name) or the groom. If it’s at or after, make it out to “Mr. & Mrs. Right” (unless the bride keeps her maiden name, “Miss Independent” then put both names).

Q:  Is it better to send the gift?
A:  Do you really feel like carrying around your gift all day long? Not to mention, bringing it gives the starry-eyed couple the responsibility of getting it home safely. Let them be carefree and enjoy their wedding day by sending your gift to the address they’ve chosen on their registry. They’ll appreciate it and so will you!

Q:  How long do I have to send a wedding gift?
A:  Wedding etiquette states that guests have up to one year after the wedding to send a gift (which is generally accepted). C’mon now, that’s nice to know, but if you couldn’t figure out your gift during the engagement, do you really think you’re going to be inspired after it’s over and done with? We say it can be a little late, but try to get the newlyweds their gift by the time they get back from their honeymoon or soon after. Otherwise, it will hang over your head all year.

Q:  You’re a recent bride and board-certified dermatologist. What are important things to keep in mind in prepping skin for weddings?

A:  Everyone wants to look their absolute best on their wedding day. Brides should start a skincare routine a few months before the big day to ensure that they look their very best.  Some of the more popular treatments include lasers to stimulate collagen and to erase pigmentation, fillers and botox are also very popular.  If you are trying fillers or botox for the first time, I suggest starting 6 months before the wedding to be sure you are happy with the results.  And for older brides, ask about skin tightening technologies, it’s amazing what can be done these days without surgery.

Q:  So should visiting a dermatologist be part of wedding planning?

A:  Definitely.  My patients see me to be sure that their skin care regimen is optimized.  If there are things about your skin that you would like improved, there are a number of great procedures and technologies that can help treat these concerns.  Even if your skin already looks great, there are treatments a dermatologist can provide to help your skin
appear even better.

Q:  Tell us about some skin care procedures/treatments that you did for your own wedding.

A:  Prior to my wedding I stepped up my skin care regimen.  In addition, I had a laser treatment to erase some pigmentation and to improve my skin’s tone and texture.  It was very simple and the results are amazing.

Q:  What’s important to know about timing skin care procedures/services?

A:  Your goals and what procedures/services you choose to do will determine timing.  Some procedures should be done beginning months ahead of the big day.  Skin care regimens for acne breakouts should begin at least 4-6 months in advance. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and laser treatment of redness or brown spots may require multiple treatments spaced out monthly.   For brides that want pre-wedding Botox I recommend that the first treatment be at least 6 months ahead of time, a bride will have an initial treatment which lasts 3-4 months and then based on her feedback, the second, pre-wedding treatment, can be tailored to perfectly fit the brides desired result from the Botox.

Thank you, Dr. O’Brien!

Q:  You do a lot of Engagement Sessions, so let’s talk about why engagement pictures are  important for couples…

A:  Aside from the obvious — couples get amazing pictures of themselves during this most important occasion to share with family and friends — the Engagement Session has really become the foundation of the relationship we build with our wedding clients.  It gives us a chance to connect with our couples prior to their wedding day. We all know that weddings can be pretty hectic, so it’s important for us to spend some quality time together in a more relaxed setting. We’ll normally meet at a restaurant or coffee shop, maybe have drink or a cup of coffee, and then spend the next couple of hours just hanging out and getting to know each other. It’s like a double date, except we have cameras pointed at them most of the time. Ha-ha!

Q:  Besides getting to know your couples what are the other benefits of an Engagement Session?

A:  There are definitely some mutual benefits to shooting the engagement session. For the couple, not only do they get to see how we work, they also get used to having a camera pointed at them. The level of comfort they gain during the session helps in preparing them for their wedding day photos. For us, we get to see how they interact with each other and we learn which shooting angles and poses work best for them. But the most important benefit of all is having fun! This is a fun time in their lives and it’s meant to be enjoyed. We fall in love with every one of our couples and these sessions are huge part of that.

Q:  What do your Engagement Sessions cost?

A:  We feel that these engagement sessions are so vital that we include one in every wedding package…..at no additional cost. At one time they were only included in our full coverage wedding packages, but we feel they’re so important that we decided to include one in every wedding we book.

Q:  What types of settings do these sessions take place and how long do they last?

A:  When it comes to location, the possibilities are pretty much endless on Long Island. When planning the session, we ask our couples to come up with locations that mean something to them. It could be where they first met, where they shared their first kiss, their favorite hangout, or simply a place they’d like to be photographed. As long as no one is going to get hurt (or arrested) we’re open to shooting just about anywhere. A typical session lasts about two hours or so. We don’t have a time limit, but that seems to be the norm. For us, it’s all about making  our couples look good and capturing them at their best. We’ll shoot for as long as it takes to get the images we want.

Q:  What happens with the images that are captured during the Engagement Session?

A:  Almost all of our clients use the images in their wedding guestbook. We design our guestbooks in-house using 20 to 30 images from the session. The images can also be used for a variety of “Save the Date” products. One of the more popular product purchases are our canvas gallery wraps. In addition, we also provide the client with all of the images (fully edited) in web resolution on CD so they can share them via e-mail with their family and friends or post them on social networking sites like Facebook.

Thanks, Alan!

Q:  What is La Piele, and how is it different than other spas on Long Island?
A:  La Piele is an exclusive, private skincare studio that offers advanced skincare services. One of the things that differentiates La Piele from other places is that as the owner, I perform all the services, so all clients experience my expertise directly. I have over 11 years of experience and a B.S in Health and Disease Prevention. In addition, we treat the skin from a holistic perspective.  Your inner health is reflected through your skin.  We create a personal program for you based on what we observe visually in addition to an analysis of your overall health intake.  I give my clients my full attention in an intimate, relaxed setting, with a personal touch.   Each client is treated on an individual basis, where they receive a thorough lifestyle, health and skincare consultation.  From there, we devise a full home care and professional treatment program based on your individual goals, and financial and time commitments.  We can combine several of our treatments to fulfill your treatment goals.  We offer facials alone, or combined with peels or microdermabrasion.

Q:  When brides come to you, what are they generally looking for?
A:  When a new bride comes, they all seem to look for the same things.  The most common concern is the pore size and blackheads, which actually go hand in hand.  Equally important to a bride is the under eye area.  In my experience, most brides I have consulted are concerned with the fine lines around the eyes and the darkness underneath.  It’s no coincidence, because the eyes are the first area to show aging starting as early as the 20’s.  Lastly, most brides strive for a more even complexion.  Basically, they would like to reduce some of the broken capillaries and hyper pigmentation on the skin created as a result of sun exposure.
Q:  What do you recommend for brides, in terms of skin care, before the wedding?
For one, a professional-grade, anti-aging serum consisting of alpha-hydroxy acids, and/or beta hydroxyl acids as well as retinol, which will help improve the overall texture and health of the skin, making it smoother, softer and more even.  I also recommend a non-clogging serum consisting of hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump up fine lines and wrinkles and address dehydration on the surface of the skin, as well as serve as humectants to draw water into the skin, keeping it supple and moist.  Lastly, I recommend consulting with a professional esthetician 3-6 months before the wedding in order to have treatments to take it to the next level, and create a beautiful canvas for makeup application the day of the wedding.  Because no person’s skin is the same, a true consultation with your esthetician is key — she may recommend deep pore cleansing facials, or more corrective peels.  It all depends on one’s skin type and condition.

Q:  What are your top three pre-wedding day tips for brides-to-be?

A:  My three pre-wedding tips for the bride-to-be are:

1.  Don’t stress: Stress causes aging.  Take up yoga and meditate to reduce any anxiety.
2.  Eat clean:  Limit sugar, white flour products, alcohol and processed foods.  All of these choices turn to sugar, creating extra body fat and create inflammation in the body which leads to premature aging.
3.  Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily, sleep and take your vitamins. Your skin is a direct reflection of your internal health.  Take good care of your body, and your skin will glow health.

Thank you, Michelle!

]]> http://gettingmarriedonlongisland.com/2009/11/cordially-invited-guest-michelle-kelly-la-piele/feed/ 0 http://gettingmarriedonlongisland.com/2009/08/cordially-invited-guest-lori-girl-creations/ http://gettingmarriedonlongisland.com/2009/08/cordially-invited-guest-lori-girl-creations/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:13:00 +0000 Claudia G. Copquin http://gettingmarriedonlongisland.com/?p=464 Today’s guest is Lori Miller, founder of Lori Girl Creations, based on Long Island.   Lori Miller is an interior designer who can work with engaged couples and newlyweds in creating their first home together.

Q:  As an interior designer, can your skills be applied to design wedding receptions?  If so, how are you able to help couples create their dream wedding decor?
A:  Wedding receptions are fun and colorful. The trick is to coordinate what colors the attendants are wearing, the flowers, the cake, invitations, etc. and work that with what napkins and tablecloth choices are offered by the caterers.  Interior designers can help make those selections as well as locate outside sources that may have a larger selection.  Maintaining budget is key these days and a one-  or two-hour consultation can go a long way for the details that will show in the photographer’s shots.

Q:  Couples often have different ideas of what their wedding reception should be like.  Does this have the potential to translate into decorating their first home, too?

A:  I can’t tell you how many times I hear brides say, “My fiance has no interest in the napkin colors or what the flowers look like.”  The same holds true in decorating the first home. “My husband told me he doesn’t care what the window treatments look like: just get them.” and yet when the wife brings them home the first words from the husband are, “They have flowers!”  It is important to get their opinions, gather your information and then present the final selection before signing on the dotted line. They may not want to run around shopping but they do want to be included.

Q:  So what do you advise to your clients who don’t necessarily share taste -  i.e. he likes contemporary, she likes classic.
A:  As an interior designer, our training is to study all areas of design: the lines, colors, fabrics, style, etc.  Blending styles and tastes can be easily accomplished by listening to each other and truly analyzing the details of why the individual likes something.  Maybe it is just the feel of the fabric on the sofa, not the style or the color of the pillow.  These factors can help blend styles and assist the couple in a compromise that looks beautiful.  If they are truly uncomfortable a designer can assist with this. We are skillfully trained and have the knowledge to back up our decisions.  In the long run our fees save time, money and the marriage.

Q:  What are the essential furnishings couples must start with as honeymooners?
A:  Furnishings are costly and a couple would not want to purchase items hastily. To start, I recommend a mattress with a sumptuous comforter — a headboard is not a necessity; a kitchen table or bar stools if there is an island. Couples need a place to have coffee and/or eat together and a dining room table can be costly.  A loveseat/sofa with a few chairs and a TV/DVD/Stereo.  Quiet time at home, entertaining friends, socialization is always important.  These pieces get the most use and provide two distinct areas for the alone time a couple needs, as well as the together time.

Q:  What are your top tips for couples who are about to put their first home together?
A:  My top tips for couples putting their first home together are: Make lists, make lists and make more lists!!!  Each person should make a favorite color list, a priority list and a budget list.  The lists should then be compared.  Filter out the similarities and make those the priorities.  Argue about the differences –  I swear, arguing is healthy!  Communication is a necessity! Colors should be agreed upon as wall colors make the home and are the first item you see when you walk in.  Flooring choices are the hardest as most men want soft, plush carpet and women want pretty rugs. Men see the leather sofa and flat screen as priority and women want a fully-finished home.  I can’t stress enough my top tip: Communication.

Thank you, Lori!

Q:  When starting to plan their wedding, what should couples consider in terms of hiring a DJ vs. a band or orchestra?
A:  The elegance they would like to portray in their reception is probably primary. The makeup of their guests attending (everyone under 35 may want a more club atmosphere, however, a mix of ages and generations is usually better served by a band).  Also their budget – a DJ for four hours will cost $3000 to $4000 less than a band.

Q:  What sort of different types of entertainment options does your company offer?
A:  Everything from Classical Soloists (Violin, Guitar, Harp)  and Chamber Ensembles (String Quartet, Harp-Flute-Cello  to 15 Piece String Orchestra)   to Gypsy Bands, Latin Salsa, Steel Drums, Greek Bouzouki, Israeli, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, German Octoberfest, Brazilian, Flamenco Guitar and Dancers, Trumpeters,  Society,  Swing, Jazz, Country Western, Line Dance Callers, Dixieland , Banjo, Accordion, Sinatra Singer, Rock Top 40 , Sitar and Tabla, Mariachi,  Bagpipes, One Man Bands, DJ’s with Plasma Screens and Light Shows,   Plus we have Caricaturists, Ventriloquists,  Belly Dancers, Ballroom Dancers, Comedians, Magicians and a full range of children’s entertainment from puppet shows to clowns and story telling.

Q:  In your experience, how much should a couple set aside to hire a band or orchestra for their wedding?
A:  That varies according to the number of guests. If you are having an intimate wedding of 50 people or so you may want a trio for dancing but if you are having 250-300 I’d suggest eight pieces or so.

Q:  In terms of the actual music, do you go over a complete list of songs that will be played during the reception?  How does this work?
A:  I let the bride and groom choose the types of music they want and  the things they definitely do not want to hear. They  fill out a list of their specific favorites including all the special dances  (first dance, father-daughter, son-mother) . They select not only types but specific songs. I try to guide them according to the guest-age background makeup
which is important. You must understand no one can make up a minute to minute list as each function varies widely. Years of experience are the key to success.

Q:  What are the three most critical things a couple needs to know when hiring entertainment for their reception?
A:  Reliability.  Ask yourselves –
1) Is the Band or DJ you are hiring the one you will see on your wedding day?
2) Will they do the music you requested and learn some of your special requests (bands need at least a month prior to the day to learn unusual requests or particular ethnic requests).
3)  Is the leader available via phone and/or e-mail to answer all your questions; are you comfortable with his or her professionalism and years of satisfied clients?

Thank you, Stan.

Q: As a stress management specialist here on Long Island, do you often work with brides-to-be?
A: Yes, some have come to me specifically for stress management consultations through my health and wellness business.  Throughout my years at North Shore University Hospital and in my private practice, others have come with some general anxiety issues for coping strategies that incidentally also helped them get through “the big day” and on with their lives in general.  I teach the stress management through specific coaching, counseling, and using high-tech computerized or hand-held biofeedback devices that they themselves can purchase for real-time practice of managing dysregulated nervous systems.  It may just be as simple as an hour and a half consultation to put the right tools in their hands.  Their learned stress management skills become part of what they can do lifelong.

Q: So what are their most common issues, in regard to stress?
A: I would have to say money and relationships are key stress triggers.  Every bride has an idea in her head about how her most important day should unfold.  Many have “mentally” planned and rehearsed this day for years.  When one adds budget concerns and other “key players” who have their own ideas and interests into the planning process, it just adds to the strain of planning for this perfect day.  It’s very easy for the bride to become frustrated with the whole process.  What should be an enjoyable and memorable time in her life becomes monumentally exasperating.  She often finds herself making unwanted compromises in order to please everyone.  This does not serve her or her fiance well.

Q:  What kind of toll does this sort of stress take on the body?
A:  Physical and emotional tension builds up in the body as the incidental stressors become more frequent and problematic.  If the stress on the mind and body is not kept in check, it can manifest itself in debilitating symptoms such as migraine and tension headaches, stomach problems, sore muscles, back problems, jaw tension, sleep problems, and generalized anxiety responses.  Other health compromising habits can arise such as increased nicotine, drug, or alcohol usage. The trick is then to address the problems before the symptoms entrench themselves in the individual.

Q:  What can you do to help brides then?
A:  One must take a proactive approach to meet, head-on the impending stressors that are inevitable.  By teaching them to connect with their bodies and minds on a deeper level, learning to watch for reactionary signs to stressors, they can use these valuable skills as coping mechanisms.  There are various strategies that can be taught that become innate over time.  These are specific self-regulation tools that can be called upon when necessary.  Also, learning effective and assertive communications with everyone who is involved in the planning process, can help make them  feel empowered and alleviate “hard feelings” and “guilt feelings”  that surface when negotiations are in play.  These strategies help facilitate a smooth transition from being engaged to being married.

Q:  Are you generally covered by health insurance? What would the cost for your services be?
A:  As a N.Y.S. licensed counselor, my services can be covered depending on the individual’s insurance policies if the brides are experiencing physical and psychological symptoms.
The initial consultations and one-time health and wellness consultations are billed at $200 for  hour and a half sessions.  If continual sessions are needed, they are billed at $120 per session.

Q:  What are your three best tips for harried brides brides who are planning their weddings right now?
A:   My top tips are:

1.  Do deep diaphragmatic breathing.  This helps the brain reset the body system so that it can remain self-regulated.

2.  Be aware of any muscle tension in the body to prevent the escalation of physical and emotional symptoms.

3.  Don’t take yourself too seriously, have fun, laugh often at the situations that arise.  Laughter can release stress-relieving hormones and help you cope with the tasks at hand.       There are always solutions to every challenge.

Thank you, Marianne!

Q:  What is Arbonne exactly and how does it compare with other cosmetics lines?
A:   Arbonne is a health and wellness company offering pure, safe, beneficial skincare and cosmetics as well as nutrition, diet, aromatherapy products (and more!)  for all walks of  life. Unlike other cosmetics, Arbonne’s cosmetic line is botanically based, made in the United States, and the products are formulated with anti-aging ingredients without the use of mineral oil.  The result:  Beauty with Benefits!  In addition, all of the products are vegan, hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and never tested on animals.

Q:  Do you work with Long Island brides-to-be? If so, why do they come to you?
A:   I have recently had the pleasure of working with Long Island brides-to-be, their bridal parties, mothers, and even grandmothers.  I offer my clients free skincare and makeup classes in a fun, relaxed, private setting.  The ladies can try all of the skincare and cosmetics, and they  learn how to apply their makeup by watching a DVD produced by a professional makeup artist.

Q:  What’s important for them to know about Arbonne?
A:   Well, in addition to amazing products, Arbonne product classes are a great way for brides to get together with friends or their bridal parties at their convenience and in the privacy of their own homes.  Brides can even “register” with me.  And I’ve done  bridal showers, bachelorette parties–there are so many ways to enjoy Arbonne!

Q:  What would a bride expect, when she sees you for the first time?
A:  At a client’s first appointment, I perform a complete skincare and custom color analysis.  My clients have the opportunity to receive 20% to 80% off of their products and will receive a 10-piece makeup brush set when they include two or more guests at their appointment.  We start with skincare and continue with a complete makeup application from foundation to eye color and finish with lips.  The guests can choose from four eye styles:  smoky eye, casual eye, v-shaped eye, and the elegant Hepburn eye.  I also offer free “refresher” sessions.

Q:  What are your top three tips for a bride-to-be?
A:  My top three tips for the bride-to-be (and any woman for that matter) is:

1. Avoid premature aging by always using sunscreen under your makeup and using foundations with a minimum of SPF15.  It is much better to achieve that healthy glow with a great bronzer!

2.  A good makeup application starts with clean, healthy skin.  Always wash your face before going to bed and begin using good skincare products and habits at least three months before your wedding.

3.  Don’t wait until the month of your wedding to start experimenting with makeup and different looks.  Your wedding day is special and the bride should look elegant, but natural, too.

Thank you, Geraldine!

Q:  Can you recommend any Long Island wines for a wedding reception that won’t break the couple’s budget?

A:  The Pellegrini East End Chardonnay is crisp and very food friendly and at $12 a bottle, it won’t break the couple’s budget. But no reception is complete without an equally stunning red – try the Wolffer Reserve Merlot for $16.

Q:  What does champagne for the reception typically cost, and are there any less expensive options?

A:  Champagne can be 10-30% of your reception budget with each bottle starting at about $30 for drinkable Champagne.  A great alternative is Prosecco from Veneto, Italy.  Not only is this wine 1/5 the cost of the typical wedding Champagne, but it’s easy drinking and nearly universally loved.

Q:  Does the reception have to have an open bar?  This can get pretty expensive.  What are other ideas?

A:  Open bars can put a couple’s budget over the top. Instead, close down the bar during speeches and one hour prior to the end of the reception – this is also a safety tip for drivers.  Another way to be equally sophisticated is to limit your options. Serve one white wine, one red wine, one beer, and one “special” drink that you have the venue create and keep ready in pitchers.

Q:  What ‘s your top tip for the bride and groom when it comes to selecting wine for their reception?

A:  When picking wine for a wedding, you want to pick one white wine and one red wine. Make sure they’re food friendly and that they’ll please a wide spectrum of palates. Don’t pick extreme or non-food friendly wines, e.g. a sweet white wine, a big Barolo, red Zinfandel, etc. Plus, you need a sparkling wine for the toasts. My picks for wedding whites include: a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (especially the Marlborough region), a dry Riesling from Washington State or Alsace or an unoaked Chardonnay (known as White Burgundy in France.) For reds, I would pick a Pinot Noir (known as Red Burgundy in France.) Great choices come out of the Willamette Valley in Oregon and the classic region of Burgundy. They’re very food friendly or perfect on their own and easily please a wide taste range.

Q:  What about the budget for wine?

A: Assess your crowd. Some crowds are more likely to consume wine, beer and cocktails. The ratio is up to you, but assume people drinking wine consume one glass per hour.

Q:  For couples who really love wine, do you have any reception ideas?

A: Pick wines that are special to you and indicate the meaning behind the choice to guests via small tent cards. Place the tent cards in front of the wine or near the bar. This gives guests a little insight into you as a couple.

• When  either the bride or groom come from a wine-friendly area, such as Long Island, pick a wine from there then.
• Have you vacationed in wine country?
• Are you especially environmentally conscious and planning a “green” wedding? Pick all organic or biodynamic wines.
• Have you picked a wine to be your new “home” wine?
• Do you have a special restaurant where you shared your first date, where he proposed, etc…? Pick a wine off their menu.
• Are you going to a honeymoon spot known for its wine: Napa, Australia, France, Italy, Egypt, even India?

And here’s another idea: Be different and have a wine tasting cocktail reception! Swirl, as featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, The Knot and more, does wine tasting parties in the NY, NJ and CT region. We can set up stations, each with one wine and a sommelier or bartender pouring and discussing the wine. Pair an appetizer or cheese with each wine being tasted and keep it at the station. Get score cards printed with the names of the wines and the station number. Hand these to guests so they can vote for their favorite or write notes. This keeps guests occupied and encourages mingling between guests who might not know each other.

Thanks, Anu!