With Deepest Regrets ● 10 Funny Cocktail Party Excuses

Have you ever been invited to a cocktail party and at the very last minute, you decided that you really didn't feel like going? We know that feeling all too well and asked some of our Facebook and Twitter peeps how they would address this matter and below are the most memorable responses we've received to date:

1.  "We do not have a babysitter and I know you mentioned "adults" only, so have a drink or two for us."
2. "Damn, we were dressed and ready to walk out the door (full makeup on according to them) and out of town guests showed up at our door, can you believe that?"
3. "I had acupuncture done on my back today and I can't get out of bed."
4. "You live wayyy too far and I cannot drive home alone after taking shots."
5. "I was getting ready to come over, but while I was doing my makeup, I dropped the brush and when I bent over to pick it up, I hit my head on the edge of the sink and knocked myself out. I will post the knot on my forehead on Facebook."
6. "I'm on a diet and really trying to behave; however, is your cute cousin going to be there?"
7. "I was on my way, but would’ve been a half-hour late, and you know I hate being fashionably late."
8. "Life is too short to waste time and I've been meaning to tell you that I really don't like you."
9. "I am sorry, I forgot I had this HOT date on my calendar for tonight!  This might be the ONE!"
10. "I can't find a dress and I refuse to be photographed in the same outfit twice."

Although, the responses provided above are humorous, you should always be honest and tell the host(ess) the truth.  Concocted stories are totally unnecessary and considering everyone in your circle is a social butterfly, there will be other opporutintes to connect and have a great time with true friends.

 Happy Friday - enjoy your weekend!

{photo compliments of Ritz Carlton, Atlanta- Lumen Lobby Bar}

Amanda Wakeley 2010 Bridal Collection • Contemporary, Unique and Effortlessly Breathtaking

I stumbled upon Amanda Wakeley's bridal collection while salivating over a pair of stunning Camilla Zebra sandals that I received as a "thank you"gift from a former styling client.  After spending countless hours on her website - pondering the possibilities, we immediately ordered her Spring/Summer 2010 Lookbook and fell in love with her bridal gowns.   The luxurious fabrics, supreme workmanship and intricate detailing will appeal to any of our Savvy Brydes.  

At the end of the day, it's all about leaving a lasting impression and this collection truly makes a bold and confident statement.  " Fresh, Fabulous, Feminine." Wouldn't you agree?

Bias cut silk satin wedding dress with a cowl neckline and an open racer back

Draped silk tulle wedding dress - paired with a brown multi-level leather belt

Silk georgette wedding dress with lace panels

Strapless silk satin, corseted wedding dress with pleated waist detail and a full skirt

Crinkle silk chiffon wedding dress with spaghetti-straps and a full train, embellished with bronze herringbone sequins

Corseted strapless wedding dress embellished with pearl beaded tulle and a draped, layered georgette skirt

Strapless wedding dress with folded ribbon detailing on the bust cups and a layered silk georgette skirt

Corseted strapless silk mikado wedding dress with a full train and top stitched detail, worn with a cropped ivory mink jacket {Simply HAUTE!}

Nostalgic Nuptials •Fashion Flashback

What an amazing vintage inspired Vogue photo shoot.  The Bride and her girls are Haute!

Making A Difference Monday • Meaningful Wearable Art

Silk rosebuds embellished with a beautiful vintage twist will add fun and elegance to just about any attire you decide to wear.  Our staff agrees that Rosebud Lips creates the most intriguing custom made bracelets, brooches, garters, necklaces, belts and so much more. We also love that their amazing creations are the ideal bridesmaid's gift for the bride who craves old movie star glamour.  Simple elegance, paired with making a difference in the world = meaningful wearable art.

Every item sold through Rosebud Lips is bringing hope to women who have been trapped in oppression.  By developing a partnership with I Am Change and Set Hope Free, they are redeeming women who have been held captive and oppressed through Human Trafficking and Forced Labor, and restoring hope to their lives.  Through rescue support, many of the women are reclaiming their dignity and feeling beautiful again.
Indeed, a fab cause!

Endless Possibilities Friday ● Bridal Alternatives by Jenny Yoo

Throwing the wedding fashion by-laws out of the window for your special day?  If so, you have our blessings because we believe that your entire look should compliment your vibe and the dresses below will certainly set the tone for the unconventional bride who isn't afraid to show a bit of skin, shoulders or her fabulous legs.

Whether you decide to wear a traditional gown to the wedding and change it up a bit during your cocktail reception, these amazing short and sassy dresses from Jenny Yoo are guaranteed to please.

 

Honorable Mention:

We've coined this amazing Bridesmaids dress "Envy Me Green"

Wish Upon A Wedding DC Cocktail Inspired Launch Party • Event Committee Fun at Lounge 201

Here is a very fun photo of the Wish Upon A Wedding DC Event Committee who worked extremely hard planning a cocktail inspired launch party for a worthy cause at Lounge 201 in Washington, DC.  Interested in donating your expertise or services, please visit here for additional information on becoming a Wish Granter, Volunteer or to join a Committee.

 Wish Upon A Wedding is the world's first nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, providing weddings for terminally ill individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.  

Wish Upon A Wedding DC • Wish, Love, Dream Cocktail Inspired Launch Party {Teaser Photos}

Inspire Me Wednesday ● All About the Color Red

When In Doubt Add A Hint of Red. . .

Photo compliments of :: My Dream Wedding

Living The Dream ● Cabo San Lucas Style

This has to be one of my favorite candid shots while planning the Mexican destination wedding of my former savvy couple Monisha and Calvin Harris at The Westin Resort & Spa in Los Cabos.  What an amazing wedding and I love when my blushing brides let their hair down and become a guest at their very own event. 

Fun Times!

Enhancing Your Special Day ● Savvy's Bridal Concierge Services

In addition to planning amazing weddings for our Savvy Brydes & Grooms, our goal is to provide uncompromised services that simplify the planning of any pre or post wedding related event for their friends, family and guests.

 

 Below are a few upscale amenities available to our clients:

• Bouquet Preservation
• Bridal Jewelry Concierge
• Bridal Styling and Color Analysis
• Chartered Aircraft, Yachts & Helicopters
• Courier Services
• Destination Management Services
• Exotic Automobile Rentals
• Honor Attendants Gift Selection
• Marriage Proposal Settings
• Meet & Greet Services
• Notary Public Services (DC & MD)
• Personalized Shopping
• Personal Trainers
• Professional Childcare Services (During Special Event)
• Relocation Services
• Specialty Gifts & Delivery
• Tee Times & Golfing Partners
• Tour & Travel Arrangements

 At Savvy Soirées, we have in-depth local and international knowledge and expertise to personally assist – while exceeding expectations.  With our prestigious contacts and preferred partners, we can personalize an amazing itinerary to suit individual requirements and more importantly, our client's budget.

   

Our motto is : “Sophisticated, classic, tasteful, elegant, timeless"

Proper Topper ● The Extreme Fashion Statement {Inspire Me Monday}

Seeking hat or headpiece inspiration for our upcoming Mad Fashion Tea Party being held on Sunday, August 22, 2010? Well look no further, as our friends at Chatham Girls Shop has totally set the tone by creating very exquisite and Avant-garde masterpieces for any fashionista who hasn't lost touch with her wild side. Which is your favorite proper topper? We love them all!

The So Very Decadent Sea Pearl Ship Hat                                       The Exquisite Pa Pa            Cage                                                                                                                         Is Too Small For My Peacock Hat

                 The Utterly Magical Flutter Of Butterflies Hat                               The Dreamy Wood Nymph Hat 

La La Land

To Tip Or Not To Tip ● The Savvy Seamstress

One of the most overlooked service providers who works just as hard as the wedding planner is the seamstress.  More often than not, if alteration services are provided at the bridal salon in which the Savvy Bryde purchases her gown, very little of the alteration proceeds actually goes to the person responsible for making the dream gown fit like a glove.

Ideal Seamstress Tip:
Minimal alterations require a tip of about $50, as the more time consuming alterations consisting of shortening a vintage lace veil, installing a bodice/brassiere or altering the neckline for a more flattering appeal {especially if the gown was purchased several sizes too big}.  In addition, much time is also spent attending to the Bridal Party and the Mother's of the Bride and/or Groom as their dresses often require alterations as well.  The average tip for the fabulous seamstress ranges from $50 - $300.

As a rule of thumb, your tip should reflect the services provided, rather than the cost of the dream gown.  Don't forget to show all of your service providers some love. 

{photos compliment of Sedona Bride & Rock My Wedding}

A Cool Summer Treat ☼ Mango Strawberry Snow Cones

Summer is officially here and we wanted to share with you our favorite icy and healthy snow cone treat that makes battling the Washington, DC heat wave so worth it.  Stay cool and hydrated!


Ingredients:
2 mangoes, peeled and chopped
1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 lime juiced, plus wedges for garnish
8 cups ice
Mint leaves for garnish

Directions:
Put the mangoes and strawberries into a blender or food processor.  Squeeze in the lime juice and puree.

Crush ice in a food processor or blender until it is very fine, like snow. Pile the crushed ice into dessert dishes; pour the fruit puree over until you can't see any more white. Garnish with lime wedges and mint; serve immediately.

Compliments of the Food Network

The Sweetest Thing ● The Mini Dessert Bar

Mini Desserts Anyone?

Want to provide your guests with a bit of sweetness without overindulging? If so, why not incorporate a mini dessert station into your next special event. Whether you are hosting a wedding, cocktail reception, birthday party and just about every occasion in between, these bite sized yummies will truly surprise your guests after dinner. Serve all of your favorite desserts and be sure to incorporate the theme and colors into your overall presentation.  Cellophane bags and or dessert boxes should be placed on the station for guests who wish to take their sweet treats home. 

As a rule, keep it simple and provide a wide variety of desserts, as well as a fresh fruit display for health-conscious friends.

For a modern and chic presentation at your next soirée, we give the modern dessert bar 5 stars for originality, practicability and being budget friendly - if executed properly.  Stay tuned as we have an upcoming wedding that will feature an amazing dessert station!

Bon Appétit!

{Photos compliment of Sweet & Saucy Shop, Flickr, Jay's Catering}

Simply Savvy Patriotic Vanilla Liqueur Cocktails {Independence Day Weekend Edition}

Entertaining at home for the upcoming Red, White and Blue weekend? These fireworks inspired purée beauties paired with Vanilla Liqueur are guaranteed to impress your guests.

Red Cocktail: Raspberry

Ingredients:
Raspberry purée (from fresh raspberries)
Vanilla liqueur
Preparation:
To make the purée, blend raspberries until smooth.
Strain out the seeds. Add sugar, agave, honey or non-caloric sweetener to taste.
To make the cocktail, mix equal parts raspberry purée and vanilla liqueur.

White Cocktail: Peach

Ingredients:
White peach purée
Vanilla liqueur
Preparation:
To make the purée, first peel white peaches.
Cut each peach in half and remove the stone.
Purée the flesh until smooth. Taste and add a bit of sweetener if needed.
To make the cocktail, mix equal parts peach purée and vanilla liqueur.

Blue Cocktail: Blueberry

Ingredients:
Blueberry purée
Vanilla liqueur
Preparation:
To make the purée, blend blueberries until smooth.
Strain out the seeds. Taste and add a bit of sweetener if needed.
To make the cocktail, mix equal parts blueberry purée and vanilla liqueur.

What signature drinks are you planning to serve for your 4th of July party? Let us know.

(compliments of The Nibble}

Mad Fashion Tea Party {Save The Date}

 Sunday, August 22, 2010

Mandarin Oriental - Washington, DC

2P until 4:30P

Theme & Official Invitation Forthcoming