We all know that as a bride you assume a huge amount of responsibility while planning a wedding. Therefore, we would like to offer assistance this spring by suggesting that you shop local as you prepare for your special day.
There are a couple of reasons to shop local. First, your life will be easier when vendors are nearby to answer questions and take care of last-minute details. Second, this is a highly talented community where you can find unique goods and services of the highest quality. Third, and perhaps most importantly, your guests will get a peek into the life that you and your partner-to-be have built together in Brooklyn. Check out our “Starter Bride Guide” below as you research local options for everything from your dress and the cake to wedding party gifts and advice.
Venue & Entertainment
The Bell House is a premiere Brooklyn venue for music and private events. According to events coordinator Andrew Mumm, “the Bell House offers two beautiful rooms that your guests can move freely to and fro. Being a live music venue, the large room offers a state-of-the-art sound system … The rustic wooden arched ceilings are complimented by two handsome brass chandeliers which really create a unique aesthetic! It is not uncommon for couples to actually have their ceremony with us as well. The 450-square-foot stage is the perfect spot to exchange those vows!” Find out more by emailing wedding booker Naomi Pelham at naomi@thebellhouseny.com.
Don’t stress too much.
Planning a wedding should be fun and seamless!
Slope Music offers music lessons as well as live music for clubs and private events. “Live music has always been what sets the tone, the feeling, of a great wedding party,” says director Charles Sibirsky. What can Slope Music offer you? “We play soft music for dining, all kinds of music for dancing including rock, ballroom, line dancing and all types of Latin dancing such as cha cha, rumba, merengue.” Visit slopemusic.com or call (718) 768-3804 for additional details.
Hire a great live band. DJs provide recorded music.
Dresses & Accessories
Head to Guvnor’s Vintage for affordably priced, top quality, and highly fashionable vintage and secondhand apparel. Owner Suzette Sundae encourages brides shopping for dresses to stop by: “we offer a large selection of vintage dresses and gowns, many of which could be suitable for brides and bridesmaids.” Guvnor’s Vintage is located at 78 Fifth Avenue. Call (718) 230-GUVS (4887) or email info@ guvnorsnyc.com with inquiries. Also check out Beacon’s Closet, the clothing exchange store located at 92 Fifth Avenue. This shop specializes in vintage and ultramodern styles, and it’s certainly the place to find the proverbial “something old.” Co-owner Carrie Peterson reports that “we have vintage jewelry, and some select nighties, beautiful legwear, and interesting shoes, maybe even the dress if they are looking for something unique.” Contact the Beacon’s Closet at service@beaconscloset.com or (718) 230-1630.
Don’t blow all of your money on a ceremony or a dress!
Planning Help
At Blue Canary Events, couples seeking a stress-free wedding planning experience will find the help they need. Owner Laura Auer says her company “specializes in month-of wedding coordination, which means you do the planning and we step in and take over for those last few weeks. This ensures everything is pulled together and that the wedding day will go smoothly. It’s nice to pass the planning details to someone else so you can relax and enjoy the day with your family, friends, and new spouse!” To inquire about Blue Canary Events, visit the Contact Us page at www.bluecanaryevents.com.
The reception (venue, catering, alcohol and rentals) should run about 50-55% of the total budget. The remaining half is for photography, flowers, attire, transportation, invitations, and all the little tiny expenses that pop up along the way.
Catering & The Cake
The Movable Feast serves those seeking creative catering services with locally sourced food and elegant flowers and staff. In addition to catering services, owner Ellen Berson says that The Movable Feast offers “help with finding the perfect location, either at The Prospect Park Boathouse, where we are the in-house caterers or at 30 locations all over New York City. We can help find the most talented florist, the perfect officiant and the perfect music source.” Contact Ellen at ppw284ellen@aol.com or phone (718) 965-2900.
Connect with professionals who have your personal needs in mind and can help with all aspects of events.
Michelle Doll Cakes offers couture cakes and treats for party planners. According to the owner Michelle Doll, “we specialize in cakes covered in realistic sugar flowers to favor bags of special cookies for guests.” Email michelle@michelledollcakes.com to set up tastings and discuss your cake and dessert needs.
Relax and enjoy it. Get as much of the planning out of the way as soon as possible so you can concentrate on the fun of being engaged. If it starts to feel like too much work, scale it back and concentrate on the parts that are most important to you.
Invitations
Lion in the Sun is a paperie specializing in unique custom invitations and distinctive stationery. This is the place to go if you believe, as David and his business partner and wife Melinda Morris do that, “invitations are such an important component of the wedding, it is the first taste of the big exciting day. We think your invitation should equally reflect the importance of the event and that your guests should feel honored and excited to be attending your wedding.” Visit Lion in the Sun at 232 Seventh Avenue, www.lioninthesunps.com or www.postscriptbrooklyn.com. You may also call (718) 369-4006 or email shop@lioninthesunps.com.
Enjoy the process. Remember that this is a great big party to honor your commitment to each other, surrounded by the people in the world who love you both the most, that it is a joyful occasion and to try and not let the stress of planning a wedding taint that. Don’t sweat the small stuff if you can, and remember that after your big day you have a lifetime together. And that’s the best part.
Jewelry
The Clay Pot carries contemporary bridal designs from more than 100 small studios. “We offer Canadian, conflict-free diamonds, recycled metals and resetting services for family stones,” said coowner Tara Silberberg. “We have a wide selection of wedding bands and engagement rings, our web site is a wonderful resource for couples, but a visit to the store is a must!” Stop by any day of the week to start the wedding planning process: 162 Seventh Avenue. Additionally, you may contact The Clay Pot at (718) 788-6564 x22 or info@clay-pot.com
Your wedding ring is the one reminder of this special event that you will look at every day for the rest of your life. Finding a ring that you love, that is special and timeless is our goal for you.
Urban Alchemist was conceived in 2008 as “part retail store, part gallery, and part artisan salon” with custom-made jewelry according to the manager Erica Schwartz. The shop is cooperatively run by local designers and, as a result, offers an eclectic mix of work by independent designers and select vintage finds. “Most days of the week you are likely to find one of our jewelry designers on-site. So come in, pick a style, and find out how to contact the designer of your choice. She (or he) will be happy to work with you to create the piece or set of your dreams. Whether it’s a special piece for the bride to wear or a set of necklaces for your bridesmaids, cuff links for your groomsmen or even unusual rings.” Visit the store at 343 Fifth Street to speak to the designer on-site that day, or visit urbanalchemiststore.com to locate email addresses for all our coop members.
Don’t be afraid to be creative! You should never be limited to what you see in an artist’s repertoire. See what’s out there, find an artist you like, and then ask them to make what YOU really want.
Beauty Services
Amy Zdunowski-Roeder has made a name as a celebrity makeup artist, hair stylist, groomer and special effects artist. When asked what the most important service a bride should purchase from her is, Amy replied, “Makeup! Because I will take good care of them and make them look absolutely beautiful on their big day.” Get in touch with Amy at azroeder@gmail.com, (917) 517-4020 (cell) or Facebook (Amy Zdunowski Roeder).
(1) Prepare your skin! Facials should be done at least two weeks prior to the wedding because accidental scarring or breakouts could occur and you will need time to heal. (2) Drink water! Water will keep you hydrated, flush out impurities in your body and give you a refreshing glow all the way to your wedding day. (3) Relax and savor every minute of your big day!
Bridesmaid Gifts
According to its Web site, Homebody Boutique is “the shopping destination for those who look for creative and unique items that can express their individuality.” Come here for personalized, unique gifts for the bridal party. “A few months ago a bride bought a slew of Jen Liseo’s $14 tote bags for her party, printed with Brooklyn landmarks (the Cyclone, the Kentile Floors Sign in Gowanus, the station sign at the Smith and Ninth Street subway station) and she got some letterpress ‘thank you’ cards as well.” Find everything from jewelry and etched pint glasses to fun, off-the-wall gifts for bridal showers and bachelorette parties.” Walk to 449 Seventh Avenue to check it out, or call (718) 369-8980 or email info@homebodyboutique.com.
Relaxation
Sage Spa is a boutique spa that offers massage and holistic facials in a serene setting. Whether you need to relax during the planning stage or wind down after the wedding day, find the calm you need here. Owner Susan Stratton says, “the massage and holistic facial combination is a great choice for brides. Our holistic facials leave your skin glowing…perfect for your wedding.” To set up an appointment, call (718) 832-2030.
