Tips and Advice: proper care for your gown

Photo by Chrissy Lambert Photography

We tote in our wedding day emergency kit just about everything for attending to spills and stains:  Shout wipes, Tide pens, baby powder, chalk,... but before we apply any products to a wedding gown, we prefer to know how your gown salon recommends treating your special garment.  While many assume that a detergent wipe can fix anything, certain fabrics just don't seem to get along with even the least bit of moisture.  In fact, delicate fabrics can be ruined with an application of just plain water.

Photo by Chrissy Lambert Photography

Before your big day, inquire with your bridal salon about the proper care of your wedding gown.  Ask about how to treat a possible lipstick stain from a well-wishing guest, or a grass stain from walking across an outdoor courtyard, or a soiled spot from a bit of spilled cocktail.  It never hurts to be prepared for those "just in case" moments, especially with an article of clothing as precious as a wedding gown.

Happy planning!
Mona
neu events
(formerly known as Weddings by Grace and Mona)

Hawaiian Fantasy Yacht Parties

As a wedding planner, I feel fortunate to be privy to what I would consider some of the newest and/or lesser known, highly desirable options for putting together great events.  I recently received a private tour of the beautiful Moe Ipo, a brand new, luxury option now available for private parties and even small weddings of 10-20 people.  This gorgeous, Classic 1937, 70 foot yacht is a hidden gem located in Honolulu, and she features wonderful amenities coupled with warm hospitality.

Reserving a special event aboard the Moe Ipo means enjoying the ultimate in indulgences.  Start by being transported there in a chauffeured 1957 Bentley for the happy couple or guests of honor, and the rest of the guests also receive transportation via a chartered mini bus, ensuring everyone's timely arrival (and safe departure).

Once on board, the libations begin flowing, and a gourmet, five-course dinner is served, and the menu is completely customizable.  Dining can be enjoyed around a large dining table in the cabin, or on-deck, beneath the stars.  If choosing a Tuesday or Friday evening, the regularly scheduled fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian Village sets the sky aglow and can only make for an even more enchanted evening.

On my visit, I was greeted by the handsome Romeo, a people-loving and very charming Golden Retriever, who comes as optional "security" for private events.  His wagging tail and gentle disposition makes him practically irresistible, but he will only remain a part of the party if you wish.

For those desiring something extraordinary to celebrate a wedding or to commemorate a special occasion, the Moe Ipo is sure to be that unique option that is sure to impress, but be careful!  Once on board, you may find yourself like me, so taken by her beauty and kind hosts, Rebecca and Stephen, that you may find it hard to leave!

For more information, contact Rebecca Overfield at 808-354-2901.

Happy Planning!
Mona
neu events
(formerly known as "Weddings by Grace and Mona")

Photos courtesy of Hawaii Fantasy Yacht Parties

Hot new vendor to watch: CURATE!

Here's one new vendor that I have been so excited to blog about; introducing...CURATE decor + design, Honolulu's newest provider of specialty rentals and event design!  While the company may be new, having formally launched operations earlier this year at the January Bridal Expo, the talented team consisting of Abner Aquino, Chris Salazar, and Jayson Antonio in fact represents more than 40 years of combined experience in design, creative installations, and client service.

Having seen a sampling of this group's work, I am confident that they will be helping to raise the bar when it comes to event design and decor in Hawai'i.  Their unique and noteworthy statement pieces along with their clean, impactful style and professional, carefully crafted presentation makes them one to watch.

Dome Chairs, featuring natural burlap, solid mahogany, and nail head trim

Some of the incredible statement pieces that the "curators" have hand-selected include the Dome Chair, Louis Ghost Chair, and Custom Boxwood which dress up a space, lending a certain air of distinction and fashion-forward sophistication.

Photo by Nick Pugay Photography

the iconic Louis Ghost Chair

Their approach to design is best stated by the team, "We believe the devil is in the details and we're obsessed with getting it perfect...we keep this in mind from our initial conceptualization to execution."

I can't wait to see more from this exciting and dynamic decor and design agency, and am looking forward to watching them take our industry to the next level!

Best wishes to the Curators, and happy planning!

Mona

neu events

(formerly known as "Weddings by Grace and Mona")

Wedding planning tip: prepare props for your engagement shoot

Bubbles convey a playful and light-hearted spirit...  Photo by amodophoto.

Engagement photos make a terrific way to commemorate a couple's engagement period prior to their wedding.  Traditional engagement shoots in Hawai'i take place in beautiful, outdoor settings.  Many couples will put special thought into their outfits for their shoot, but rather than just paying attention to the location and the attire, why not take it a step further?

Those that know this couple will easily recognize the popcorn as the groom's favorite snack.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

To personalize your engagement shoot, consider props which add action and/or personality to the photos.  Think about what makes you unique as a couple, and play upon that.  Some will even bring their favorite pet (aka "child") to the shoot.  It'll lend more character to the photos and provide a very contemporary feel to the images.

Red, helium-filled balloons add a splash of color and lend a cheery feel.  Photo by amodophoto.

Happy planning!
Mona
neu events
(formerly known as "Weddings by Grace and Mona")

Clear umbrellas make for cute props while leaving the focus on the couple.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

This Sunday: Gown Sale at the Bridal Boutique!

It is hard to believe how quickly costs mount when preparing for a wedding.  It seems there are just too many "must haves" and "cannot do withouts" for that special day.

Breaking news!  Here is a refreshing change - the chance to SAVE money on a wedding-related purchase!  This Sunday, The Bridal Boutique, located in Honolulu (O'ahu), Hawai'i, will host their Mid-Year Sale, featuring a whopping 40% off dresses!

In previous years, the salon was practically bursting at the seams on this one-day-only event, and this year promises to be another huge hit!  To be able to take advantage of the sale, the key is to pre-order the dresses and get slotted for a time on sale day, so that come Sunday, you are simply in to pay, and out thereafter to experience the satisfaction of having procured the dress - the holy grail of wedding trousseaus.

Charisse chose a stunning lace gown from The Bridal Boutique for her special day.  Photo by L'amour Photography.

Of critical importance is scheduling appointments, for the pre-sale consultation, and for payment on sale day, so be sure to call (808) 597-8893 to reserve your time slots.  The Bridal Boutique is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 10:00am - 6:00pm; and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am - 4:00pm and is located at 627 South Street, Suite 101 in Honolulu.

Happy Dress Shopping!

Mona

neu events

formerly known as Weddings by Grace and Mona

Escort Cards and Plated Meals for Weddings

Nothing says elegance quite like a formal, plated meal for a wedding reception.  Many couples opting for this often wish to offer a choice of entree to best cater to their guests' varied tastes and the best way to go about doing so, is to identify each guest's entree selection in advance.  For most seamless service on-site, many hotels and caterers will require some sort of indicator to cue their servers in to the guests' choices.

Here is an easy and effective way to do so: 

Banquet servers knew whether a guest had requested fish or beef by the color of the border on the escort card.  Escort cards by Emi Ink.  Photo by Visionari.

create color coded escort cards or place cards.  It serves as a quick way to inform the server of the guest's entree choice, and is equally decorative and functional, too.  Incorporate the wedding colors to make these cards coordinate with the rest of the stationery and the look of the wedding.

Here, the flower color identified the guests' choice in entree.  Escort cards by Something Blue.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

Happy Planning!
Mona
neu events
(formerly known as Weddings by Grace and Mona)

Wedding Planning Tip: points to consider for your wedding cake topper

When our parents and grandparents tied the knot, wedding bells, plastic brides and grooms, or artificial doves adorned the tops of their wedding cakes.  Modern day weddings, however, feature a wide selection of unique cake toppers, enabling couples to personalize the look of their cake.  Before purchasing or special ordering that "must-have" topper, be sure to consider:

Photo by HelmutWalker Photography

• diameter of the topper - make sure that the top of the cake is wide enough to fit the topper or vice versa, that the cake topper you are ordering is of a size proportional for the top tier of the cake.
• weight of the topper - with toppers available now in all kinds of materials, check with your cake maker (prior to your wedding day) to see whether the cake can support the weight of the topper.  If not, the cake maker may need to reinforce the cake with dowels or supports, or he/she may suggest not placing the topper on the cake at all.
• material of the topper - couples sometimes get creative by choosing something out of the ordinary to serve as a cake topper.  If doing so, be sure to check whether it is made of non-toxic materials if planning to actually consume the top tier of cake.

Happy Planning!

Mona

neu events

(formerly known as Weddings by Grace and Mona)

Photo by Kai Photo