Gilt:  What are the five things that you should always splurge on for a wedding?

Colin: Beautiful Invitations, Stunning Flowers, Delicious Food, Tasty Cocktails and Fabulous Music

Gilt: What are the five things you shouldn’t feel bad about saving on?

Colin: 1. Instead of expensive imported champagne, think of a sparkling wine or well-crafted cocktail.

2. Instead of a large orchestra or live band have a great DJ.  Todays DJ’s are tomorrow’s rock stars.

3. Instead of a cocktail hour…..have your pictures taken prior to the wedding and then proceed directly from the ceremony to the reception.

4. Forget the party favors or tchotchkes…..instead upgrade the chicken stuffed with a-la-something to a succulent rack of lamb.

5. Instead of serving dessert followed by wedding cake….make your wedding cake the dessert feature.

Gilt: What’s the secret to pulling together a chic wedding on a short timeline of three months or less?

Colin: As long as you can confirm the venue and officiate of your choice, you can very easily plan a wedding in 3 months or less.  Think about it, even though the average length of engagement is 12-18 months….most of the work is done in the last 3 months.

Gilt: What is your favorite recommendation for a bridesmaid gift? Favors?

Colin: Anything personalized that becomes a keepsake.  If it is embroidered, foil stamped or engraved, a personal gift goes a long way.  From bathrobes, to make-up bags, silver jewelry cases or personal stationery you can’t go wrong.

And check this out:  as part of their big Bridal semi-annual sale, Gilt.com is having a wedding  flash sale TODAY, at up to 60% off:

• Bridal party (dresses) by color
• Find the perfect wedding gift
• Flower Girl Dresses from Two Birds
• What to Wear from the Bridal Shower to the Honeymoon
• Gilt CITY New York offers a ”Wedding in a Box” at Del Posto in New York – for $30,000 you get their private Gattarina Room as a bridal suite, and they provide the flowers and candelabras, as well as take care of seating and the dance-floor set up, among other things! They are also offering Gold and VIP Platinum passes to the famous Kleinfeld Bridal sample sale for $150 & $200 respectively, or members can indulge in the Royal Treatment package for 5 for $500

Lastly, check out Gilt.com to enter a contest to win a trip to New York City for a 2-hour wedding event consultation with Colin Cowie!

Hair:   By the end of the summer, chlorine from your pool may leave hair feeling dry and brittle. Those with light colored hair may even notice hues of green coming through. The quickest way to get your locks looking great again is to use a clarifying shampoo & deep conditioning treatment. Clarify your hair every day and follow with a strong, moisturizing conditioner for at least 3 days. You will see a reduction in the aloe buildup that is turning your hair green and will make your hair look healthier in just a few days time. Alternatively, in-salon treatments can range from $15-$60 and will provide you with an instant, custom designed remedy for all hair issues and will immediate improve the texture of your hair.

Complexion:   Although today, most people protect their face from the sun with sunscreens, skin is still vulnerable to damage. Home exfoliation once a week can help to even out skin tone and remove dry, dead skin from the surface. Most cosmetic and skin care companies offer an exfoliating wash in their lines. Always select one for sensitive skin as most others can be too abrasive. Avoid the eye area when exfoliating and always follow with a non-oil based moisturizer. Alternatively, licensed aestheticians can perform microdermabrasions and chemical peels that can help to eliminate fine lines, minimize pores & dramatically improve your complexion. Advanced skin care by professionals can help to turn back the hands of time.

By the way, did you know that Cactus has an Elite Bridal Team of trained hair stylists and make-up artists specifically on hand for Long Island brides?   And they have a full menu of off- and on-premises services for brides-to-be, the groom and the bridal party.  For info, call Catus’ Bridal Coordinator at 631.586.4849.

Launched in the U.S. in 2006 and in Canada just this year, the website seriously streamlines the name-change process securely and accurately, including: passport, social security card, driver’s license, medical and insurance accounts, utility bills, student loans, voter registration, etc., etc.!   It costs only $29.95 and this gets a new bride a 6 month membership, so there’s no rush.  The savings in gas, time and headache seem to be well worth it!

And if you’re planning a spectacular wedding-day getaway that doesn’t involve the traditional limo, let us know.  We’d love to hear your ideas!

1. Get Real

“Pain is caused by the gap between reality and expectation. So, while it may seem inappropriate to have moments of sorrow at a joyous occasion, it’s wise to expect a few tears and even welcome them,” says Aurora Winter, who founded the Grief Coach Academy after the death of her husband. “Give yourself and others permission to be real. Most people don’t realize that you can’t suppress sad feelings without also suppressing happy feelings. The truth is that expressing the whole range of our feelings is essential to opening our hearts to love, which is what weddings are all about.”

2. Be Proactive

Prior to the wedding, set aside some time to visit a grave site or the hospital, share your feelings with a close friend or a coach, and acknowledge the contribution the missing person has made to your life.

3. Honor the Missing Person

Find a way to honor the missing person at the wedding. For example, Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond ring became Kate Middleton’s engagement ring. Prince William said he wanted his mother to have a part in the day.

You might choose to wear an article of clothing, select a special song in tribute, or have family photographs on display. The wedding invitation, choice of flowers, or selection of readings offer other opportunities to honor the person who is missing. You might also choose to light a candle or say a private prayer.

4. Celebrate the Wedding

A wedding is a special occasion to rejoice in the love of the bride and groom, and wish them well as they begin a life together. Getting real, being proactive, and finding a way to honor the missing person pave the way for celebration.

“Remembering someone who is dead by being gloomy is no way to honor their memory. If they were present, wouldn’t they be celebrating? Choose to celebrate on their behalf as well as your own,” Winter recommends.

5. Choose to be Happy

“While mixed feelings are understandable, happiness is a choice,” says Aurora. “If you’re feeling sad, here are some tips to getting into the ‘party mood.’ Put on your party clothes, sing in the shower, sit up straight, put on some happy music, and get up dancing. Get a good night’s sleep and skip the alcohol. A sure-fire way to pick up your spirits is to reach out and help others enjoy the day.”

In summary, when you’re planning a wedding when someone is missing, be sure to get real, be proactive, honor the missing person, celebrate the wedding, and choose to be happy. These tips will help ensure that the wedding is a success.

Virginia
Age: 26
Starting weight: 179 lbs.

Marc
Age: 36
Starting weight: 241 lbs.

How they met: At one of the comedy clubs Marc owns, in 2007

Engaged: July, 2010

Wedding colors: Baby Pink & Taupe

And while it’s true that a simple white runner was rolled out vs. trendier, adorned runners, it’s also true that a massive tent complete with chandeliers, air-conditioning and a 20-piece orchestra was set up on the grounds of the 50-acre Astor Courts estate in Rhinebeck.   (You’ve already read about the roomy porcelain porta-potties, right?)   Instead of one wedding favor, the couple gave out gift baskets to the 450 guests (450!) stuffed with local treats — a nice idea, albeit, an expensive one.   But there’s more:  the gluten-free cake, created by La Tulipe Desserts in Mount Kisco, had nine tiers.   The event was designed by wedding planner  Bryan Rafanelli, who planned last month’s Oheka Castle wedding for Clinton pals, Huma Abedin and Representative Anthony D. Weiner.  Rafenelli set up hundreds and hundreds of flowers — lilies, roses, hydrangeas and more — throughout the reception site.   No word yet about the after-party, but let’s be real:  this was a presidential wedding.   The key elements were elegant and refined and there was absolutely nothing minimalist about this event.