Monday, March 16, 2009

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!

Monday, February 23, 2009

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!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

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.

Monday, January 5, 2009

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!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Calling all Cowboys and Cowgirls!

With 5 new happily married couple, the Sashay Gals have had their hands full this fall, but in typical Sashay style, we jumped back on the horse and pulled off the best Hoedown Birthday this side of the Mason Dixon!

A rickety wooden barn lined with hay bails and rusty tools was the only consideration for this Western Evening. Guests kept warm by the crackling bon-fire that cut the chill from a crisp fall night. Our Sashay team created a rustic look with simple floral arrangements of sunflowers, a variety of fall mums, cattails and wispy tall cut grass. With vintage pitchers as vases, this look was complete. You may need to do a little digging to find these antique gems. We suggest searching your local thrift store or even your Grandmother's cupboard. And remember, the search is half the fun.

So strap on those chaps, grab your cowboy hats and have a "Yeehaw" of a good time!

Check back soon for photos from our latest fall weddings.


Thursday, August 7, 2008

www. The World Wide Wedding? - Monthly Tip

It used to be that you got engaged, you invited your family and friends to a wedding and you got married. It was THAT simple. Well, not anymore. Now a days a wedding is more of a production, people travel across the country, sometimes even across the ocean to attend a wedding. Keeping guests up to date on wedding details, changes, accommodation ideas, travel tips, registry, etc. can be a lot to handle for the Bride and Groom who are already busy planning for their big day.

Sashay to the rescue! We have recently paired up with Wedding Window, an online resource where the Bride and Groom can create a personalized wedding website. You can choose between hundreds of design layouts, upload your own photos, insert your personal messages to guests, and the best part...It is so EASY! Just visit the Sashay Wedding Website and get moving. You are closer than you realize to having an online Wedding Website alerting family and friends about your day and any details they may need. Enjoy!

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Busy Gals in July

Well... It is already August 1st and the Gals of Sashay have been a little busy (hince the no July Blogs). We promise to make it up with double the fun in August, but for now, lets talk about July.
We enjoyed our annual Nantucket July 4th trip. Working with the Nantucket Country Club as well as private clients on their New England Independence celebrations. Our favorite Music Group "YOU" traveled with us this year and really impressed guests. If you have not booked a music act for your next upcoming event "YOU" is the way to go.

Our featured Bride and Groom this month has to be Kyle and Colleen. They were married at Cathedral of Christ the King on Saturday July 19th and followed their ceremony with an extravagant reception at the Biltmore Hotel. They make the cutest couple, but don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself at Art Pinney Photography. Art and Shawna captured some amazing moments. To quote Art on his blog "the events of the day were carried out smoothly and effortlessly, overseen by alyssa and katy, the fun, energetic duo comprising sashay creative events." Oh, we are blushing now. Thanks Art and Shawna.