Off White Wedding Dresses

Hello there!

So many times my brides debate whether they should wear a white gown or an off white one,. Often times they ask for my opinion and I tell them, "Let's go wedding dress shopping for that answer."  If you are a bride debating over the same issue, please continue to read.

Ancient Greeks wore white wedding dresses to symbolize purity, but wearing white on your wedding day didn't become popular until Anne of Brittany wore a white gown when she married XII in 1499.  Today many brides are choosing not to wear white; instead they are choosing gowns in off white and ivory.  Alot of  brides think that they want a white dress. But, when they begin to try them on they realize that white is not the easiest color to wear and they feel much more comfortable in shades of eggshell and cream.

What do you think?

Ketty G.

Newly Engaged? Here are some helpful tips.

Hello everyone,

I hope all my readers are doing well and getting ready for this year's wedding season which is almost upon us.  Here at Detail Diva Events we have been gearing up to make some wedding dreams come true this season so... yes, we have been super busy.  Plus, I have to admit that I've had writters block for a couple of months. Hopefully as the days get brighter and warmer so will my imagination to blog. 

I want to take this time to congratulate all the newly engaged couples.  I wish you all have a very happy wedding planning experience and remember these tips:

-  Stick to your budget and your timetable.

-  If you have decided to have some DIY projects, test drive them before making a final decision.  DIY projects can be very easy and some can be very tidious. If you can, I highly recommend that you don't leave them for the last minute.  If they can be done way in advance, then do them in advance. 

-  Remember that it's YOUR wedding and not the annual family reunion therefore you should have what your heart desires (DO keep it tasteful) and not what everyone else wants. DO listen to that special family member or friend that you feel is very important to you and you consider a wonderful source of information and inspiration.

-   VERY IMPORTANT... The party planner at the venue you have chosen will ONLY you with everything within the venue.  They will provide referrals to vendors whom they, for the most part, have worked with and are recommendable. Partly planners are great and yes they make your day SO much easier but...he/she will not run to your aid when you have a huge zit on your face the day before your wedding and take care of it or when you just cannot make up your mind on which wedding dress to go with or choosing and picking the best centerpieces that goes with your chosen theme therefore, having to pay a visit to the florist and assisting you.  If you want someone to help you make these descision and keep your budget and everything else on track, then you need to hire a WEDDING PLANNER.  Look for someone with a good background and great reference in your area.  Many planners offer different packages so see which one suits you best financially.  Make sure the wedding planner you choose has a great personality as you will be interacting alot with this person until wedding day. 

If you are having your wedding in the New York and New Jersey metro area you can send us a email at ketty@detaildivaevents.com for a free online estimate.  Just tell us where you are located, estimated amount of guests, estimated amount of the wedding budget and we will personalize a package for you within your budget. 

Well, I am looking forward to hearing from all you love birds out there!

Ketty

Happy Holidays

Detail Diva Events would like to wish all our readers, friends, colleagues and fans a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Years 2011.

May 2011 bring to you all lots of love, joy and happiness but most of all great health!

Thank you for your support and loyalty!

Best Wishes,

Ketty Gonzalez & DDE Staff

Tamara and Peter's Wedding

Hello There!

October 10th was a beautiful fall day in New York and perfect weather for Tamara and Peter's 10/10/10 wedding.  This wedding was special to me for several reasons. First, was the fact that a dear friend to my sister was getting married.  I remember meeting Tamara at my sister's graduation and Tamara was sweet then and continues to be as sweet today.

The other reason was the fact that this music theme wedding was very challenging since on wedding day we literally moved to different boroughs of New York City.  The day started at a very nice hotel in Yonkers (not considered a borough) where Tamara was being pampered for her big day.  Once our beautiful bride was ready everyone headed to the Bronx where she would marry her Rocky (Peter is a huge Rocky fan) in a beautiful Catholic ceremony. Wedding pictures were then taken in Manhattan and reception immediately followed at Giando On The Water located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  They danced the night away under the stars with the gorgeous view of the Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.

It was a pleasure working with Tamara and Peter, I wish them a lifetime of happiness!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Daria and Xiomara for assisting me in making it all happen.  You ladies ROCK!  I want to also thank my favorite photographer Wilson Rodriguez whom I work closely with for taking the best pictures ever.  The following were taken by him and I am sure you will agree with me as to why he is my favorite. 

Until next time...

Ketty Gonzalez
Detail Diva Events



$100.00 off your wedding package when you mention Weddingwire.com from Detail Diva Events at New York, NY 10040

$100.00 off your wedding package when you mention Weddingwire.com from Detail Diva Events at New York, NY 10040

So You Are Thinking Of A Purple & Gold Wedding Theme?

So you are thinking of a Gold and Purple wedding theme?  The first time I was approached with these colors as a wedding theme I thought Mardi Gras. I also thought it would be fun to play with these colors, this combination is fabulous and chic and at the same time very ECLECTIC just like the bride who is contemplating this combo for her wedding.  So of course, I went to work on this immediately so I too can contemplate and play with this color scheme.  Here are some inspirations I digged up from the internet to kind of rev up my creative juices.

So far this is what I have gathered... Hope you have enjoyed the pictures... 

A note to my October 10, 2010 bride... This is so doable! Let me know what you think!

Ketty G
Senior Coordinator / Owner
Detail Diva Events

Spending time with my family

TGIF to all my followers!  This week has been a much needed relaxed week for me.  On Monday I had the opportunity to attend a presentation / networking meeting in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, right off Delancey Street.  It had been years since I walked in that neighborhood.  I remember when my mother would take us there as kids to buy our winter coats.  We would go there atleast once a year and it was like planning a whole day event, how funny!  Ah...beautiful memories.

Well I attended this really unique vendor networking meeting at a theater called La Tea Theater where Cary Pereyra owner of The Little Glass Slipper was showcasing her floral designs. I was able to connect with other vendors who were also unique in their own ways and came home with some really yummy chocolates which were given to the quest as they arrived. 

After Monday's meeting, I made sure to not add anything to my calendar and spend some much needed time at home with my husband and my two children.  Wow, what a great week! 

Now I'm ready to for all the madness coming to me starting this following Monday.

Well, I'm wishing you all a very wonderful weekend!

Ketty G
Detail Diva Events



Now, come Monday I will start my madness all over again but like they say... "IT'S ALL GOOD!"

Calling all New Jersey Brides!

Hello Ladies,

Here's a little FYI for all engaged couples living in New Jersey and the New York Tri-state area.

Bridal Showcase at The Bethwood, in Totowa NJ on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

This spectacular one of a kind bridal event is the largest show in the state of New Jersey with three floors of luxurious grand ballrooms and over 100 exhibitors on display, giving today's bride-to-be the opportunity to plan her entire wedding and prepare for the future. Valuable gifts, special discounts and grand prize giveaways throughout the evening.

Enjoy live entertainment performances and a high energy runway fashion showcase choreographed to music, special effects, lighting and sound. Complimentary champagne, hors d'oeuvres, hot and cold food stations, wedding cake and coffee, bridal magazines and valet parking.

For more information click here

Have fun, share your thoughts with me....

Ketty Gonzalez
www.detaildivaevents.com

Invitations for your special event

Choosing your invitations can become a hard task.  Invitations are the window to show your guest what your wedding will be all about and you want to make sure you decide on the right one.  With SOOOOO many choices out there it becomes very stressful to choose JUST ONE.  This is where I, as a planner, suggest that you find vendor who will actually sit down with you and your fiance to discuss all the details you would like to incorporate on the invitations. For examples, the colors you have chosen, fonts, wording and maybe even some bling-bling and of course the quality of paper which is extremely important.

My favorite vendor is Olive Branch Papery.  Christine, owner of Olive Branch Papery located in New Jersey is super talented and delivers fantatics work in a very responsible, professional and caring way. 

Olive Branch Papery not only offers invitations, they also offer table cards, place cards, etc to match your theme.  Today's bride are asking more and more for ways to make their wedding more unique and personal and Olive Branch Papery delivers just that.

It has been a true pleasure meeting her and working with her.  Here's a sneak peek of some of her FANTABULOUS work! 

For more information please visit Olive Branch Papery website.

Ketty Gonzalez

Detail Diva Events

Happy Easter!

Hello!

I would like to wish you all a very Happy Easter!  I hope you all have a wonderful day with your loved ones!

Hugs!

Ketty Gonzalez

Detail Diva Events

Evelio Photography

Hello Everyone!

When planning your wedding pictures are incredibly important! If you ask me... I personally feel I would rather save on the wedding dress than to save on the photographer.  After the champaigne bottles are empty, the shoes are off and the tuxedo is hanging on the chair in the bedroom....you really only have pictures to take you down memory lane. I tell all my clients the same thing, "Pick a good photographer and pick someone who can capture the details we so often tend to forget or are too busy to even appreciate." 

Well today I introduce you to someone who can do exactly that on your wedding or special event day....

Detail Diva Events is happy to announce a new addition to our PREFERRED VENDOR LIST! 

Please meet Evelio, photographer and owner of Evelio Photo located in Northern New Jersey.  As you will see in this photos, Evelio knows how to capture those moments and make your day memorable.

To learn more about Evelio Photography and his wonderful work, please click here to visit his website. 

Well, next week I will present to you another of our preferred vendors...

So Stay Tuned!

Happy Planning!

Ketty Gonzalez - Senior Wedding Planner and owner of Detail Diva Events

Facebook

Hello,

It seems like EVERYBODY has facebook nowadays.  While many people do not like having personal pages like Facebook...I, on the other hand have to admit I LOVE IT.   I have been able to connect with soooooo many friends and family and able stay in touch with them even with my very crazy schedule. 

Some time ago I decided to create a fan page for Detail Diva Events. So, if you happen to have a Facebook page....I would LOVE for you to join my fan page. 

As of today, I have 121 fans and I'm ESTATIC!  People are really rooting for me and for my hard worked DETAIL DIVA EVENTS. 

Please help my fan page grow!  Click here to join my fan page!

Hugs!
Ketty
Detail Diva Events

Shopping For The Perfect Florist

Hello Everyone!

Well, this past week I have been florist shopping, (that's what I like to call it).  As a wedding planner you could never meet enough vendors.  I always, always welcome vendors and try to expand my list as much as possible.  Now, do I always meet the right vendors?  That is something I have to filter and make sure that they are indeed TALENTED, RESPONSIBLE and offer GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. 

Last week I composed a list of eight florist in New York City because I felt that my current list wasn't sufficient.  So... I called for appointments and went on my little adventure.

After my third appointment I realized certain things that I just had to share here on my blog.  Many books, articles, blogs talk about these same exact things but sometimes people either choose to ignore what they have already read or they just forget about, "That interesting article I read the other day." 

So here is to hoping that my followers remember mine....

All my appointments were unique in their own ways.  For the most part when you call they all tell you that you need an appoinment which of course guarantees your spot.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK, CHECK REVIEWS...

Before your appointment, make sure you do your homework and search for REVIEWS.  Yes, many people do take the time and post a review.  Now, reviews can be tricky.  Some people become upset about the tinyest little detail and trash a whole company who most likely tried their best to please this one customer.  When you look at reviews, you need to look for a pattern.  Let's say your local florist has 10 reviews and 3 out of  the 10 where negative reviews, I'd say... "Give them a shot."  Let them know that you did take the time to see their reviews and your saw some negative ones.  Alot of times the vendor will know this and explain the reasons, although they really are not obligated to do so.  If they do, discuss and see their reaction.  If you are not satisfied with the reaction simply thank them for their time and walk away.  If you are satisfied, let them know that you are giving them a chance and you expect the best they have to offer.  Most likely this vendor is going to remember you and do all they can to make you happy.  Most likely you will be that next person writing a great review for them. 

ASK TO SEE THEIR PORTFOLIO

Very important.  Most florist have one instantly as soon as you ask, others will have a blog or a website as their portfolio.  This is really up to you to decide which one you would rather see.  Just make sure you SEE SOMETHING.

MAKE SURE THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS FANTASTIC

Most florist are incredibly talented and that is a great thing.  But... if they are not going to take your ideas, colors, dreams into consideration...THAT'S A BAD SIGN.  With that said, you also need to remember that a good florist will make suggestions as this is part of their job.  Just make sure they suggest along the lines of what you have already visioned or the colors you vision, etc.  Maybe the florist will suggest an arrangement you never even thought about, yet you LOVE IT.  Then hey...GO FOR IT!

One of the florist I visited was extremely good, had beautiful displays, beautiful shop but was so ARROGANT even in front of his customers. I was really hoping he was having a bad day but then when I saw that he hanged the phone on someone and cursed... huh?  Well needless to say, I left. It was a shame because I can honestly say that I really liked what he as florist had to offer.  Unfortunately, what I saw that day was exactly what I had already read in his reviews and then it all made sense. His reviews reflected poor delivery on time.  One reviewer stated that when he/she called the owner was very rude over the phone.  All this translates to poor customer service.

Please make sure you feel comfortable in every way with your florist, that you see eye to eye and that customer service is great where now you are confident that on wedding day they are going to come through for your wedding like CHAMPS!

So, there you have it. This is just one of the many things of the life of a wedding planner. We make sure we recommend vendors whom a good in all aspects and are able to offer a worry free wedding day. 

Ketty
http://www.detaildivaevents.com/
ketty@detaildivaevents.com

Hello!

Hello Everyone!

I know I have been MIA for a mighty long time and I apologize.  A lot of changes have a occurred both in the  "running my business" aspect and my personal life.  I needed to take a break from many things and to reorganize and reconnect with me.  Wedding planning is always a challenge because EVERY wedding is different and having a career has a wedding planner is even more of challenge so taking some time off has come in very handy and has made me a stronger mom, wife and wedding planner. With that said... I am definitely back!  I have missed writing to you all and I am hoping you guys are happy to see me back.  Now, I would love to hear from you all.  So I leave this question here for you, my followers, to answer.

What positive changes have you made lately?  

Show me some love and write your comments or just simply stop by and say hello.

Ketty

Planning a Christening

I have been asked to plan an elaborate Christening Party for a beautiful baby boy named Tim. When I looked in his beautiful big blue eyes I knew I had to accept this job and make one very memorable for him and his parents. Tim is just absolutely adorable and behave SO WELL during our initial meeting. I was so amazed! His parents came to me and actually thought that because of the timing and all the planning involved I would have declined working with them and of course I said, "No way Jose, I will be more than happy to help you plan this very important occasion."

Now, the challenge has begun to plan this very special and elaborate Christening Party. Just a couple of months ago I planned my daughter's christening but it was only for 20 guest, mostly family, and it was at home. Totally different from what Timmy's parents want so I have to really put on my thinking cap and make this very memorable. I have to say that I do love the challenge and I'm always ready.

So here are my notes so far...

Invitations and Thank You Cards
Venue (They have a preferred venue, now is time to negotiate)
Balloon Bouquets as centerpieces
Candy Buffet
Custom Cardbox by Marni Gold for all the money gifts, gift cards, etc...
Favors
DJ (I know a great one in their area)
Entertainment (for both the adults and the children attending)
Photographer (Also know a great one in their area)

Of course as you all know, although the list seems short there is a lot of shopping, browsing and negotiating to do in a very short period of time. We don't have a set date but we are all estimating this event will beheld at the end of October.

I am keeping little Timmy in mind as I plan this because IT'S HIS PARTY and I want him to have a great time as well as all his guest.

Ketty
Senior Wedding & Event Planner for Detail Diva Events

Rett Syndrome Fundraiser

I am happy to announce that "A Night Of Rett Syndrome Awareness" was a success. This fundraiser was held at the very popular, fun and beautiful Cafe Iguanas, NYC. It was the first time I planned a fundraiser and I have to admit I was very nervous. Luckily everything went very smooth despite the rainy day we had here in New York City.

I want to thank the following vendors for their generous donations.

Brenda Gonzalez-Kennedy

Naughty and Nice Lingerie

Debbi Andersen

The Knead To Relax

Mary Reid

Satisfy Your Senses

Darlene Cox

Budget Minded Fashions

Kattia Gordon

Aleximani Events

Marni Gold

Creative Custom Cardboxes

Thank you all for wonderful evening!

Ketty

detaildivaevents.com

20% Off Wedding & Event Planning

Hello,

I have been super busy planning the Rett Syndrome Fundraise that's being held this Saturday at Cafe Iguana's in New York City. Everything is going along great and I am so looking forward for this event. Between all the chaos I have been feeling very generous and have decided to offer a special deal.

If you have already started planning your wedding and you feel that on the day of your wedding you want to be STRESS FREE... then the "Day of Wedding Package" is for YOU!

I am offering 20% off the regular price for this package. This is how it works...

• I will meet with the couple a 1-2 months prior to wedding day which will be a free consultation.
• If you hire Detail Diva Events we will meet again for 2-3 hours to discuss all your plans and gather all the information pertaining the vendors and venue you have selected and suggest new vendors you may need if necessary. We will also go over all contracts to ensure everyone is on the same page. (This meeting is included in the package)
• On the day of your wedding I, along with my assistants, will be at the venue to receive all deliveries, start decorations and any other details we have discussed during our meetings.
• We will be there through the duration of your event.
• Unlimited phone conversations are also included in this package.

I am offering this special to couples getting married during the months of

October and November 2009

or

March and April 2010

For couples not getting married during these months... Please know that ALL PACKAGES can be customized according to your budget. All you have to do is contact me and ask!

Day of Wedding package normally goes for $1,200 for wedding with 150 guest or less. So... you see? You can afford a Wedding Planner.

For further information please call me, Ketty at 917-570-0776 or you can send me an email at ketty@detaildivaevents.com.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Ketty

Rett Syndrome Fundraise

I am SUPER excited to announce my first ever FUNDRAISER! I have been working very closely with my sister who represents the foundation in New York City to raise fund for this wonderful course.

As some of my followers know, my niece Angelina who just turned 5 years old on July 20th was born with Rett Syndrome. Rett Syndrome is a genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls. The characteristic features include loss of speech and purposeful hand use, occurrence of repetitive hand movements, abnormal walking, loss of ambulation, scoliosis and seizures. The genetic mutation that causes Rett Syndrome was found in 1999 and in 2007 researchers reversed the symptoms of Rett Syndrome in mice models. Funding is for transitional research is crucial to make this a reality for my niece, Angelina and other Rett Angels and families affected by Rett Syndrome. So please join us if you leave in or close to New York City.

"An Evening of Rett Syndrome Awareness"

at

Cafe Iguanas

Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 6:00 to 10:00

240 West 54 Street

New York City, NY

Admission: $25.00

Special Guest Speaker: Dr Anthony Horton, Chief Scientist Officer

International Rett Syndrome

Hey, but that's not all! We will also have Silent Auction, Raffle, appetizers, cash bar, DJ and dancing. All guest are welcome to stay ALL NIGHT and dance after the event has ended.

I am so happy to be planning this event and to be able to use my expertise in a different form.

Hope to see some of my fans there!

Ketty Gonzalez

Senior Wedding Planner

detaildivaevents.com

Vintage Wedding Dresses

I was talking to a bride-to-be about wedding dresses the other day. She asked me what I thought would be appropriate for a small intimate wedding. She also mentioned how her and her fiance are on a very tight budget and that she really didn't want to spend too much on her wedding dress. She added that she really never had a dream of walking down the isle in a princess style gown (I'm not sure if I have mentioned this before but, small budget weddings is my niche) Because I love the challenge of planning a small budget wedding and trying to make them as close to your dream wedding as possible, I thought this was a very interesting question. One that not too many people talk about since most brides want a big gown. So when she approached me with this question the only thing that came to mind at the moment was VINTAGE DRESS. If you feel you are alot like this bride, then you should consider vintage as an option. As I browsed on the cyber world looking through many websites that sell vintage wedding dresses, I found that they are also ALOT LESS than non-vintage dresses. I saw many very pretty, cute even sassy dresses that can be accessorized to compliment your unique style. You can find an array of vintage dresses by visiting poshgirlvintage.com, they have a huge selection to match your style and taste.

This dress is also absolutely beautiful!

With these beautiful Prada shoes.... Wow!

Yes, you may be thinking... "How non-traditional is this?" Alot of brides are non-traditional these days and it's totally up to you how you want to look on YOUR DAY. I can't wait to hear from you. Your comments are ALWAYS WELCOMED! So come on, tell me what's on your mind.

Ketty Gonzalez - Senior Wedding Planner - www.detaildivaevents.com

Fabulous Find Friday!

Wondering how to gift your bridesmaids? Well, if you want something personalized, cute, chic and very feminine then this would be a great way to gift your bridesmaids. You can get these awesome sandals at sandals4events.com where you will be able to personalize each sandals for a VERY reasonable price.


Ketty Gonzalez
Senior Wedding Planner
detaildivaevents.com