As the holidays creep in, we start to think about gifts. One of my favorite gifts to give are delectable sweet treats, and this year is no different. I have started the search for what candies & cookies to make this year for my friends and family. Would you like to share any of your favorite treats? Here are a few of mine.

1. Buckeyes
2. Dark Chocolate Cherry Truffles
3. Mint Chocolate Fudge
4. White Chocolate Cashew Drops covered in Milk Chocolate
5. Holiday Chocolate Bark with pistachio's and cranberries (My Mom's favorite)
6. Thin Mint Cookies
7. Carmel Pecan Bites
8. White Chocolate Chex Mix
9. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzels
10. Eggnog Snickerdoodles

I could go on...but I should stop myself. Which ones should I choose?

With one holiday down and two more to go, the Gals of Sashay are finding themselves very busy indeed. However, we did find some time over the Thanksgiving holiday to put on our "Betty Crocker" face and have some some fun in the kitchen. Here are a few tips we picked up after this years Thanksgiving weekend with our families.

1. Allow your family to only stay a week or less
2. Never start a home repair project over the holidays
3. Have family events planned for the holiday weekend
4. Start preparing food before Thanksgiving day to save you time and stress
5. Get family involved and have them prepare some of the Thanksgiving dishes
6. Go around the table and find out what everyone is thankful for
7. Eat a lot of food and save room for dessert (my favorite part to eat and make)
8. Find time to relax
9. Enjoy the leftovers
10. Wish your family safe travels home and get ready for Christmas

BRIDAL TRUNK SHOW - don't miss out!!!

Don't miss out on a trunk show featuring Heidi Elnora's new Silhouettes Collection and the opportunity for girls to work one on one with the very talented designer, Heidi. The trunk show will start on Thursday, November 12th and go through the 14th. Brides receive a 10% token of appreciation off the base cost of their gown when they order it during the show.

If you are in the market for a dress of your own, or know someone who still need their dress or even wants that 'Hollywood" second dress, this is a great opportunity for them to help design their own dress and work creatively and intimately with the actual designer.

Heidi Elnora

Atlanta Gallery
404.903.4263
1545 Peachtree Street, Suite 112
Atlanta, Georgia

Birmingham Gallery
205.977.7202
4128 Crosshaven Lane
Birmingham, Alabama

Halloween 2009

Hip Hip Hooray for our favorite holiday... HALLOWEEN!!! This year we had a blast at Park Tavern's Halloween Festivities. Local premier party band, The Yacht Rock Revue, brought down the house with a complete set of Michael Jackson's Thriller album in it's entirety. WOW! The gals of Sashay rocked out with the band of zombie-clad yacht rockers, dressed as a couple of our all time favorite heros. Can you guess who?

Anniversary Traditions

The 3rd Anniversary is here and I cannot believe it has been 3 years already. I guess it is true what they say… time flies when your having fun!

To keep the love and laughter a high priority, my husband and I have come up with our very own anniversary traditions. One of which included each of us donning our wedding day attire. Him in his suit – and “Oh, does he look good!” and me in my wedding dress… yes it still fits. Then we hit the town! Yes, we may get a few stares or whispers, but most people tend to recognize the same enjoyment and humor that we do. This year, we even had another couple secretly pay for our bottle of wine before we paid our server. They weren't looking for a “Thank You” or a pat on the back because they left before we had the chance to do so. They just did it to be thoughtful and kind. Don't you wish more people were like this? My husband and I were really touched and can’t wait for the opportunity to return the favor to someone else one day.

So, that’s a little snapshot into my anniversary traditions. Be sure to make your own and send us some stories.

The Sweet and Saucy Top Ten: Halloween Costumes!

It is the time of year again to pull out all the spooky decor, change the front porch lights to something scary and carve those pumpkins. This is one of Sashay's favorite holidays. In fact, we had an entire wedding devoted to Halloween last October. In honor of our last years Bride and Groom and well... just for the fun of it, we are dedicating this months blogs strictly to the fun festivities of Halloween. Here are some of the top ten costume ideas we have scene over the years and years of Halloween Parties we have thrown or attended. Enjoy!


1. The Bride and Groom












2. Rainbow Bright
3. Gallagher












4. The Channel 5 Action News Team (Anchorman)








5. The Godfather, who btw, was the Father of our Halloween Bride last year.











6. Cruella de Vil










7. Dumb and Dumber










8. Jem and the Holograms










9. The Captain of the Yacht Rock Revue









10. Devil with a Blue Dress On!

Bride & Bloom Magazine - Sashay feature!!!!

Okay Okay.... so we are a bit over excited about our latest Sashay press. I think maybe it's because finally someone has recognized the importance of strutting shoes on your wedding day. And when it comes to "strutting shoes", Bride and Bloom Magazine went directly to the source and asked the Gals of Sashay where they send their Brides. Check out what we had to say in their latest publication.

Now come on Brides, join in and "just say NO" to those boring, mundane, egg white, wedding generic shoes.

Show your style.
Show your spunk.
Let's see that strut!

Christa and Holden hit the big time!

Everyone is in love with our latest Bride and Groom, Christa and Holden. Editors and staff from the top Atlanta Wedding magazines agree that this wedding was one of the best. A very unique day for a special Bride and Groom. Here is what Atlanta Occasions Magazine had to say on their blog. Scroll down so you don't miss a thing.

The Dish on Christa and Holden's Wedding

The Sweet and Saucy Top Ten: Entertainment worth traveling for.

Throughout the year, a limited amount of hit Broadway or Off-Broadway or otherwise shows come through Atlanta. Sashay has done a bit of travel over the years and some of the shows we suggest traveling for are this weeks Top Ten. Plus, you get the added perk of a vacation. What's not to love about these suggestions.

1. LOVE, The Beatles Cirque du Soleil is only in Las Vegas baby!
2. God of Carnage, starring James Gandolfini, Marcia Gay Harden, Jeff Daniels and Hope Davis. New York City.
3. Spamalot does travel, but for the best casting, you absolutely need to head to New York City.
4. "O", yet another amazing Cirque du Soleil with the added element of water. Again, Las Vegas.
5. Les Miserables is the longest running play in London. If you find yourself across the pond, be sure to take in the history
6. Lion King remains among the top of the longest running musicals. Now you can see it with amazing cast and stage in not only New York, but also in Las Vegas.
7. Cher may be a diva, but if you had the successful 45 year career that she has had, you might be too. She's strutting again in Las Vegas.
8. A Cabaret show in Paris is an experience like no other. You can go for the old standard, Moulin Rouge, go for the more risque, Crazy Horse Cabaret, or go the authentic route and visit Le Paradis Latin. All three shows include dinner and champagne. Bon Appetit!
9. Love Never Dies is the long anticipated Andrew Lloyd Webber sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. The show is scheduled to open in London at the Adelphi Theatre in March of 2010.
10. Hamlet, starring Jude Law has just opened. What a treat to see such a credible actor in this outstanding role. Only on Broadway. Only in New York.

The Sweet and Saucy Top Ten: Pick Up Lines?

Okay... so you may not win over your future Bride with any of these pick up lines, but some guys really do try. Being the wives of local rockers, the Gals of Sashay hit the town quite often and occasionally come across the brave young men who still think a pick up line is going to do the trick. Come on guys. If you are looking for your future Mrs., just buy her a drink and be yourself. Here are some of our favorites and some good ones we have overheard. Again, in no particular order.

1) Are you lost? Because heaven's a long way from here.
2) I was blinded by your beauty so I'm going to need your name and number for insurance reasons.
3) Do you have a sunburn, or are you always this hot?
4) Hi my name is "fill in guy's name" and I'll be over there if you need me. (then he walks away.) Actually not too bad.
5) Hey baby. Turn that frown upside down.
6) Does this rag smell like chloroform to you? okay... so we haven't heard that one, but it's funny right?
7) Excuse me, I think you have something in your eye. Nope, it's just a sparkle.
8) I know I don't have a chance, but I just wanted to hear an angel talk.
9) Can I take a picture of you, so I can show Santa just what I want for
Christmas.
10) Do you mind if I hang out here until its safe back where I farted. If some guy actually tried this on me, I may consider him. FUNNY!

The Sweet and Saucy Top Ten: Reasons not to post

Okay.... we apologize for the lack of Top Tens the past two weeks. To give our fans an understanding of why we have not kept up the posting, this weeks Top Ten is all about giving you excuses... btw, we ARE back on track now so look out for next week!

1. Alyssa has been on a 2-week jet-setting trip to Ireland, UK and Scotland. Jealous?
2. Katy was holding down Fort Sashay.
3. Katy also took a week in Hilton Head because she was envious of Alyssa's trip.
4. We had an amazing wedding on the 12th that was so terrific it will be published in the upcoming Atlantan Brides Magazine. Stay tuned!
5. We were busy shoe shopping... you do know how the Sashay gals love their shoes. Just pick up a copy of Bride & Bloom Fall 2009 Magazine and read all about it. That's right. A Sashay feature!
6. Alyssa had a big birthday and she had to stay on top of the party planning. Husbands are not to be trusted. :)
7. I don't know if you saw it on CNN, but Atlanta has been under water.
8. Katy has been trying to keep up with her rockstar husband. Tired, but did discover a favorite new British rocker, Jim Stapley.
9. We are working on a fantastic fundraiser for RRISA and the important cause has kept us very busy.
10. We are lazy and need to get on the ball.

What a Wedding!

So, I worked on a terrific wedding this past weekend... Christa and Holden. They got married downtown in Trinity United Methodist Church which might be one of the most beautiful churches I have been in ever. Such a warm place with dark cozy wood beams and lots of friendly faces. After the Ceremony we moved on over to The Granite Room. The Granite Room was a venue I was unfamiliar with and I am so glad to know about it now. A funky loft style event space right in the heart of Castleberry Hills Arts District. VERY COOL! The party was catered by the one and only Affairs to Remember Catering. Other features that made this a very special evening was the music. The DJs played an eclectic mix of music that kept people on the dance floor without having to resort to cheesy tactics. This was much appreciated by the guests and by me for that matter. As a surprise to the wedding guests, the Bride and Groom's Grandmothers took the stage about half way through the evening to play piano and sing some 1940's jazz. Everyone was stunned and amazed by how fantastic they were. What a great surprise! In the end, my favorite part of the wedding were the cakes by Cecilia Villaveces in Athens. If you have not had her cakes you are missing out. You can sample them any day of the week at Last Resort Restaurant in Athens, GA. We served Carrot cake, Carmel cake, Bailey's cake, Raspberry cake, Kaluha cake, Peach cake and more that I cannot even remember right now. All in all, this wedding was one of the best! Stay tuned for photos because I have not even mentioned the stylings of the Bride and Groom... that's a whole new entry.

The Sweet and Saucy Top Ten: Honeymoon Destinations

The secret no one ever tells you are that weddings are stressful and they can sometimes put a strain on even the best of relationships. Now that you have passed the “big day”, put some planning into the really fun part. Take some time and escape with your new hubby to some romantic destination. Travel, find adventure, make memories, but also find some time to reconnect after the madness of the wedding. Here are some Sashay favorites to do just that.

1. Belize, South America
What can we say about Belize except that it is an absolute Sashay favorite. From the beaches to the jungle this destination has something for everyone. For the Beach, Belize Turtle Inn is a must! As a Frances Ford Coppola Resort, you know you are in for a treat at this fresh and clean beach destination featuring outstanding resort architecture.
2. We have to go with Belize again.
This time venture into the jungle at the Blancaneaux Resort. Located in the heart of the jungle and right on the river, you can swim, hike and just stay cuddled in your personal, modern but rustic, jungle bungalow.
3. The British Virgin Islands
These Islands can be reached in a quick trip, but they are truly a world away. The barefoot elegance of The Bitter End Yacht Club is a Sashay favorite. Located on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, The Bitter End is uniquely situated along a mile of shore front on the protected waters of the North Sound and is boasted as the Caribbean’s premiere luxury water sports resort, hosting romantic getaways, and idyllic escapes for all.
4. Fiji
Fiji has it all if you are looking to fill that image of white powder beaches with beautiful palm trees, green mountains sweeping to the sea, warm tropical breezes, and lots of secluded resorts scattered among its 300+ islands. Loose track of time as you stand in both today and yesterday at Maravu Resort, located on the International Dateline. This is a Sashay favorite where “they say” you experience 7 seasons in every day.
5. Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Warm up with your sweetie by the fire after a romantic sleigh ride. The Fairmont Chateau may be worth your exploration is you and your new hubby are more snow than sun.
6. Mangiss, Bali, Indonesia

Even savvy world travelers can find fresh and enchanting destinations to celebrate a new life together. If a blend of culture and romance are what you are looking for, Amankila Resort may be your dream come true.
7. Tahiti
How do you describe paradise? Many call it Tahiti! Tahiti has islands to choose from, including favorites Bora Bora and Moorea. Check out Bora Bora Lagoon Resort which is nestled on an island in the lagoon of Bora Bora, this resort invites newlyweds to revel in post-wedding privacy in a bungalow perched above the lagoon on high stilts.
8. Florence, Italy

If it's romance you're after, a trip to Florence guarantees starry eyes, hearty meals, amazing art and much more. Try the Grand Hotel Florence, which is housed in a former 18th-century palace overlooking the Arno river, the rooms at the Grand Hotel are oozing with Florentine culture.
9. St. Lucia
A bit of France, a bit of Britain, and a nature-lovers paradise including a volcano. Great snorkeling in clear, blue warm waters. Walk through a rain forest while viewing the ocean. Truly a newlywed's paradise.
10. Hawaii
This may be an old standard, but will never to be out shined. You can island hop or choose your favorite for some true relaxation and honeymoon fun.

The Sweet and Saucy Top Ten: Wedding Movies

Well… there are so many great wedding movies that we could not pick just 10. So bring out the popcorn all you brides because here, in no particular order, are our favorite 15. Any of your favorites that we forgot?

1. Runaway Bride
2. The Wedding Singer
3. Muriel’s Wedding
4. Father of the Bride
5. My Best Friend’s Wedding
6. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
7. Four Weddings and a Funeral
8. The Graduate
9. It Had to Be You (1947)
10. In and Out
11. Sweet Home Alabama
12. Honeymoon in Vegas
13. Wedding Crashers
14. Monsoon Wedding Cakes
15. The Birdcage

The Sweet and Saucy Top Ten: Local Brew Pubs

Atlanta, and Decatur especially, have some great brew pubs. Be sure to beat the heat this August and grab a pint with some friends at one the best beer bars in town!

1. Leon’s Gastropub – bring your Bocce arm.
2. The Porter – also be sure to try the Belgian fries.
3. The Brick Store Pub – ask questions, this staff knows their beer.
4. Twain’s – cozy, neighborhood place, plus some stellar home-brews.
5. Tap in Midtown – If you want a beer, but your gal wants a cocktail.
6. Taco Mac – Perfect place for a game-day beer.
7. Edgewood Corner Tavern – all American brews.
8. Charlie Mopp’s Public House – over 90 beers on tap WOW!
9. ABC Brewery - Public Tours Wednesday – Friday, Happy Hour
10. Greene’s Bev. Store – when you’re too lazy to leave the couch.

The Sweet and Saucy Top Ten: Beatles Wedding Songs

As Paul McCartney gets ready to take the stage Saturday evening in Piedmont Park, we only thought it fitting to give a tribute to the Beatles. With husbands in a rock-and-roll band the Gals of Sashay are no strangers to this music and we love when our clients put a little fun and excitement into picking their wedding songs. But...since it is so hard to pick just TEN Beatles songs, we thought we would give you our Top TEN choices for both ceremony and reception. One song that will always be close to my heart is Dear Prudence, with the lyrics "The sun is up, the sky is blue. It's beautiful and so are you", written by my husband and given to me on our 1st anniversary, while the song played in the background. So if there is a Beatles song that has touched your heart over the years, why not make it a part of your special day.

Ceremony
1. I will
2. Here There and Everywhere
3. In My Life
4. Something
5. Yesterday
6. All You Need Is Love
7. Dear Prudence
8. Good Day Sunshine
9. Here Comes the Sun
10. And I Love Her

Reception
1. Twist and Shout
2. Can't Buy Me Love
3. Saw Her Standing There
4. She Loves You
5. I Want to Hold Your Handjavascript:void(0)
6. Eight Days A Week
7. Hey jude
8. Love Me Do
9. Silly Love Songs (from McCartney's solo album Wings at the Speed of Sound)
10. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

Atlanta Occasions Launch

The Gals of Sashay attended the Atlanta Occasions Magazine launch last Thursday night and got to mingle with some of our favorite people. Amy Osaba - best new florist we have come across. Patrick and Angel Williams - seriously amazing photographers. Patrick will shoot your wedding and really make it special and Angel can sure do some sassy sexy portraits if you want her to. Besides the great company, the party was a hit with festive cocktails, fun finger food, M Cupcakes (one of our favorites) and to top it off a photo booth for those brave enough. You know the Gals of Sashay were! Here's the proof!

The Sweet and Saucy Top Ten: Shoes

Sashay was recently asked by Bride and Bloom Magazine what we thought are the best places to buy shoes. Here are our local and non local favs for sassy, sexy, flirty, fun, wedding or otherwise fabulous shoes!

1. Anne Roth - local shoe designer creates custom-designed footwear.
2. Sole Shoes and Accessories - stylish boutique for fashionable women.
3. Bob Ellis - World class in style - just gorgeous shoes.
4. The SoShoelite Shoe Lounge - an upscale "lounge" with great shoes.
5. Cherry Bomb - funky L5P boutique specializing in fantastic footwear.
6. Chelsea Parkes - a posh Sandy Springs shoe boutique
7. Sabot Shoes - a high-end Buckhead shoe boutique.
8. Pella Shoes - Italian leather never smelled so good!
9. Wish- an edgy boutique in L5P specializing in urban shoe wear.
10. Zappos.com - honestly, search for Kenzies (our favorite).

The Sweet and Saucy Top Ten: Chocolate

Here are Sashay picks for the best chocolate treats around. Some are even local so be sure to go out of your own taste test exploration. Don't let these savory sweets melt in the summer sun!

1. Highland Bakery Chocolate Peanut Butter Mini-Cupcake
2. Sweet Sensation White Chocolate Key Lime Pops, ATL
3. Cyrila Baalam Nut Chocolate, Belize
4. Theo Fig, Fennel & Almond Dark, Seattle
5. K Chocolat Dipped Orange Peel, ATL
6. M Cupcake Chocolate Cupcake with Oreo Frosting, ATL
7. Theo Bread & Chocolate Dark, Seattle
8. Chocolate Pink Key Lime Truffle, ATL
9. Lindt Dark with Chili, Switzerland
10. Well…classic Hersey Milk Chocolate of course

PleaseRock The Yacht Photos are in!

Another BIG OLE THANK YOU to all of you Please Rockers who came out to the PleaseRock the Yacht event last Tuesday. The photos are in and they are fantastic. Thanks MixTape! These are just a teaser... Be sure to visit PleaseRock to see all of the hoolpa!

Sashay Events would like to thank everyone who Rocked the Yacht with us last night. We had fun sailing away to new music by Y.O.U and Yacht Rock Revue, and watching video's of the bands many aliases. For more information on Yacht Rock Revue, Y.O.U, or 3 Dog Stevens upcoming shows, please visit PleaseRock.com.

And...if you enjoyed this party and are interested in planning your own, Sashay would love to help you out.

"PleaseRock the Yacht"

Come Sail Away with us on Tuesday, June 30 from 7-10PM at Diesel in the heart of the VA Highlands.

PleaseRock and Sashay Creative Events present "PleaseRock the Yacht". Come and mingle with the men behind Atlanta's hottest (cover) band, The Yacht Rock Revue, and get the opportunity to check out some of band's many talented aliases. Listen to new tracks off Y.O.U.’s original indie-rock album, new comedy clips from Three Dog Stevens’ webisodes, and some live tracks of Yacht Rock Revue performing the smoothest songs from the 1970s and 1980s.

Join us for this FREE event: free food from Diesel Restaurant, free drinks from Atlanta Brewing Company, free Tickets (Pete Yorn, Y.O.U., etc.) from Ticket Alternative, fabulous giveaways from all of our sponsors, and perhaps most importantly: The Yacht Rock Cruise Pass, which grants free admission to every Yacht Rock at the 10 High for the rest of the year!

So before you climb aboard, make sure to RSVP to RSVP@SashayEvents.com and receive more chances to win some amazing prizes.

Atlanta Bridal Bar Opens!!!

Good news to all Atlanta, and for that matter, all regional brides... The Atlanta Bridal Bar has opened and Sashay Creative Events is proud to be a founding member here in Atlanta. Check it out!

There's a new jeweler in town!

Okay Ladies... this is a good one. I just discovered the most amazing new jewelry maker based in Charlotte, NC. JOULES DESIGNS BY JULIE PAGE SMITH Sold exclusively at Cottage Chic. Stones are semi-precious and the gold is 14 karat gold-filled. Necklaces (such as the pink Chalcedony, ruby, tourmaline and freshwater pearl) are $64 for 3 stones and one pearl, can add additional stones for $12 each. And just for that added touch of pizazz, each necklace is designed around and hung from vintage playing cards. What fun! I also heard a rumor that she makes earrings and can custom design based on each client's desires. What better way to really tell your Bridesmaids how much you appreciate them?

The Ritz at Reynolds Plantation...WOW!

So last weekend, The Gals of Sashay headed out to The Ritz at Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee. WOW! What an amazing place. We think everyone should get married there... of course, we are a bit bias after they wined and dined us all weekend. We had cocktails, a pontoon boat ride, a BBQ followed by smores, and that was just the first day! Monday morning we were treated to a beautiful breakfast in the Presidential House. This is a 4 bedroom house that guests can rent and host their own private events. Perfect for Bride or Groom Families who want to further entertain their wedding guests. After breakfast we were treated a trip to the Spa. What a treat! Finally, we were led on a tour of the property which concluded in the Grand Ballrooms where we enjoyed an exquisite example of a served Wedding dinner. Scallops in a blood orange sauce, cleansed by raspberry sorbet in champagne and followed by a dual entree of lobster and fillet. And it would not have been complete without the buttercream wedding cake. We were so impressed. The Ritz has certainly lived up to its reputation of excellence.

Sashay on Daily Candy Atlanta!

Yes that's right Ladies and Gents...Sashay has hit the big time! Today's featured dose of sweets on Daily Candy Atlanta is all about the Gals of Sashay. This is Daily Candy Wedding's first issue and Sashay Events is honored to be chosen for the launch of such a well established and recognized publication. Aren't we looking sugary sweet?

Sashay on Daily Candy Atlanta

ATTENTION ALL BRIDES!!!

If you have not yet picked that once in a lifetime dress for your wedding, we have fantastic news! La Raine's Bridal Boutique, one of Atlanta's best local bridal salons is having an unbeatable sale every Thursday from 11am to 7pm. They are clearing out all discontinued samples at discounted prices! Gowns will be sold off the rack for as low as $99. These gowns have been professionally laundered and in order to keep them in the best possible condition, the gowns are only available for try on every Thursday. Get there soon as gowns are sure to fly off the rack.

As a side note, La Raine's also makes custom veils in house. They are beautifully hand made and can be matched to any dress. They are at a remarkable bargain for a one of a kind veil. Don't miss this extra touch!

The "Gals" at Star Bar!

The Star Bar, typically known for their Tuesday nights with DJ Romeo Cologne, was the place to be last Friday night. The featured act was the long awaited, but fully expected, band Second Shift. Second Shift gave a great performance and clearly had a great time together on stage again, however, the show was overpowered by the invigoratingly fresh new sound from local band, Y.O.U.

The Gals of Sashay have been long supporters of Y.O.U and had a rocking good time dancing to old material and listening to new. If you have not had a chance to check out this band you should. I’ve even heard a rumor that they will do weddings and event. Hint. Hint.

The Gals of Sashay never miss an opportunity to see good local music. Next time – we hope to see you there!

Budget Friendly Wedding Planning

Planning a wedding is tough enough on a bank account and with this economy, even harder. We want you to know that we understand. Planning a budget friendly wedding does not mean you need to head for City Hall. Here are a few suggestions for having the wedding of your dreams and keeping that change in your pocket.

1. Set a budget and set it before contracting any vendors. Once you do, evaluate your priorities and determine spending for each category. Remember to leave a buffer of about 10% in your overall budget. About 8 out of 10 couples exceed their budgets – don’t be one of them. Also be sure to leave room for a Wedding Coordinator. You may not have it in your budget for a full service coordinator, but having someone present on the day of the wedding to make sure everything goes as you have planned is important. You have worked for months to plan this event, get a professional to run the day so that you can enjoy your efforts. It is worth it!

2. It seems these days that everything is on sale, from wedding dresses and accessories, to any and all vendor services. You hold the cards to negotiate. Compare prices for bridal gowns and shop around. See who can offer you the best deal, or even sell you the sample dress. The same goes for other vendors. Maybe ask your caterer if they will throw in the linens. It may not seem like much, but the little things add up quickly. Be assertive and understand the position you are in.

3. If the location is chosen wisely, a destination wedding may actually save you money. Hotels and resorts want your business and when you are bringing them a guaranteed number of guests, they will want to work with you. Look into wedding packages, but be aware that they may also offer services a-la-cart that might be the most advantageous to your wallet.

4. Think outside the box. Forget traditional ways and come up with some of your own. You can skip that 4-course meal and replace it with a heavy hors d’oeuvres reception. Ditch the top shelf bar and focus on a signature cocktail. If it is tasty and clever, your guests will be impressed. Plus, you pay for every open bottle on a fully stocked bar. This eliminates your number of open bottles at the end of the evening.

5. Let the experts be the experts. Be direct and firm with vendors about your budget. It is their job to stay within it. When attending meetings ask them what they can do within your parameters. Often time you get more for your money by setting a budget than from going in with an open or negotiable budget. If you are working with reputable vendors, they will be able to offer lots of great and creative suggestions for stretching your dollar.


Remember, There is no need to be embarrassed about having a budget. Vendors will respect you for having one. It makes their job easier and clearer. Just be honest about the limitations you want set.

Sailing Away to 2009!

The Gals of Sashay rang in the New Year at The Historic Biltmore Hotel this year. We danced and sang and celebrated to the super smooth sounds of Atlanta's hottest cover band, "Yacht Rock". Alyssa even graced the stage and sang a few songs with the band. It was a perfect way to end a great year and welcome a new one. 

We worked with "Yacht Rock" on one wedding this past year and would love to do more. Booking "Yacht Rock" for your wedding or upcoming event is definitely our Tip of the Month. It is a sure fire way to make sure your event will not soon be forgotten.

If you have not heard of "Yacht Rock" yet, then where have you been hiding? Come on out to the 10 High every Thursday night and see what the fuss is about. See you there!