New Year's Eve: Last Minute Invite!

It's never too late to pull together a chic last minute soiree! Thanks to Paperless Post, the chic-er alternative to Evite, you can invite your most fun fellows over with panache. The site has an assortment of high-end customizable invitations with an innovative tool that lets you personalize your message, and send to each of your guests in a virtually calligraphed envelope. Of course, RSVP tracking and guest list management are also included. Users log on for free, then send paperless posts to their guests with "stamps" that can be purchased. And, lucky for you, each first-time user gets 25 complimentary stamps. So, what are you waiting for? At the time I am writing this, 2010 is 2 days, 67 hours, and 4056 minutes away.

Let it Scrabble! Let it Scrabble! Let it Scrabble!

Photo: Apartmenttherapy.com

Whether you're snowed in or a blizzard hit your holiday budget, DIY Holiday is so 2009. I absolutely plotzed when I saw this awesome idea for holiday decor....SCRABBLE. Boy, why didn't I think of that?! Can you imagine the possibilities this classic word tile game offers up for events....from proposals ("marry me?") to weddings (Mr. & Mrs. Smith) to dinner party placesettings (each guest's name cleverly spelt out at their place-setting), it's like an event planner's EUREKA!

What's your DIY holiday idea? Have one--post it here!

Van & Eric: The Wedding (US Weekly/Weddingchannel.com Dream Wedding)

Here is the long-awaited wedding video for US Weekly/Weddingchannel.com Dream Wedding Winners Van & Eric. It was an unbelievable pleasure to work with this lovely couple and an amazing list of all-star vendors!

Monachetti, nice work! My favorite edit moments: the high five at the altar, the DC monument montage (WOW!), the rocking dance moves. Enjoy....

Van and Eric (Ceremony and Reception) from Monachetti on Vimeo.

Reality's Pretty Darn Awesome for Lisa Loeb

Sweet news!!!

Two of my favorite clients, Lisa Loeb and her hubby Roey Hershkovitz, (who wed with help from yours truly in January) announced exclusively to PEOPLE the arrival of their adorable daughter, Lyla Rose Loeb Hershkovitz. Baby girl arrived Sunday morning at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

In between night feedings and nappy changes, the new mama will also be busy helping underprivileged children through her non-profit, the Camp Lisa Foundation, which gives at-risk kids the chance to go to summer camp.

In honor of Lyla bursting onto the scene. here's a clip of my favorite Lisa Loeb children's song that I played for my son, Wyatt (long before meeting Lisa) and now, for my newborn baby girl, Meredith!

For a look back at their winter wonderland nuptials, click here. (Notice both of us boasting our baby bumps on The Knot LIVE).

The Bomb-Diggity Wedding Toast

Thanks to FlipCams and iPhones everywhere, Youtube wedding videos have been a sensation in 2009 (even the New York Times is commenting on this latest trend).

A big shout-out to my cousin Lauren Shey for sharing the latest wed-webisode with me, courtesy of her friend Andrew Spector. It's not every day that someone raps their best man speech, and Andrew did it with panache.

Enjoy today's entry, performed by the original "Specdiesel".

NEW VIDEO! Pre-wedding Coverage of Us Magazine-WeddingChannel.com: Dream Wedding

Van and Eric's "Dream Wedding." (Full Prep Version) from Monachetti on Vimeo.

As most of you know, Chandelier Events was chosen to hitch up with Weddingchannel.com and US Weekly Magazine to throw one lucky couple a dream wedding worth $100,000+, chockful of amazing details from celebrity vendors. From TomKat's photographer (Robert Evans) to Beyonce's DC florist (Janet Flowers) to the drop-dead gorgeous Vera Wang gown, Van and Eric had it all. And boy, did they deserve it!

My friends at Monachetti (who I met back when I planned Lisa Loeb's wedding last year) captured the nuptials in all their gorgeous glory. Check out the pre-wedding prep in this new video clip!

xo

Amy

57 Grand: Uptown Flair. Downtown Sensibility.

My days of being a bridesmaid 27 times are long gone and my wallet is quite grateful. But how could I forget the closet stuffed with dresses that I swore I'd be able to wear again (yeah, right?!) Well, as I pack them to send them off to charity, I am pleased to pay it forward by letting all of you know about this new bridesmaid dress company that I so WISH was around when I was boasting a different bouquet every weekend.

57Grand (www.57grand.com) is the stylish invention of two smartie-pants in NYC named Saukok and Carmen. They combined their style and business wit to create a collection of dresses that just debuted at last week's bridal fashion week...and each style is totally wearable post-wedding. They even show you how to take their cocktail looks from the reception to, well, after work cocktails. And, they've figured out a way to give you style without damaging your bank account--most dresses are $200 and under.

My most favorite feature? Since they're available online, they not only allow you to actually have a virtual chat with your besties within their website, but they "register" the dress(es) and accessories in a customized shopping cart where all of you can make your purchases in a seamless way (when you can squeeze in the time to do it, of course. For me...it's generally sometime after midnight that I get to take care of any of my personal to-do's).

Also, if you want to see the sample, for $15 they'll pop one in the mail to you. No commitment necessary until you see the real deal. Now that's a wedding date I know you can deal with;).

PS: Is your closet overflowing with dusty ruffled dresses of yore, too? Donate them to Operation Prom -- one bridesmaid's 80s and 90s trash could be a CW Network-obsessed teen's treasure.

Hostess Blog Spotting: "Khaki is the New Blue" Bash

If you haven't already become a fan of Hostess with the Mostess, I strongly urge you to add this party maven blogger to your RSS Feed. I was particularly fond of a recent party she covered in her Hostess Blog "Khaki is the New Blue" feature this week.

According to "the Hostess", her friend Noel Culbertson put together to celebrate her husband’s birthday and recent promotion! The color palette is so crisp & chic, and I am obsessed with the navy damask fabric runner (which, apparently, was a Jo-Ann Fabrics find.). Here's more about this nautical spread.

Shhhh.....My husband's in the yachting business, so I just may have to steal some of these ideas for one of his next milestone soiree's.

Chandelier Events Plans US Weekly/Weddingchannel.com Dream Wedding

Photo: Us Weekly Magazine

Get ready for vows that will WOW!

On September 27th, Us Magazine & Weddingchannel.com (with planning by yours truly) will gift Van Ngo & Eric Oberly with a Washington DC wedding worth over $100,000. This week, we toured the beautiful, star-studded venue for the ceremony & reception -- The Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center -- where we tasted their delectable dishes (risotto, filet & lobster tail, chocolate cheese cake towers, yum!), and laid out the floorplans and florals. Then, we visited Janet Flowers, the uber talented design pro (who designs for Ben Stiller & Beyonce) who plans to deck the Pavilion room out in the most gorgeous lush florals and one-of-a-kind wrought iron pieces and custom terracotta and chestnut damask linens by DC Rentals.

Pick up this week's US Weekly Magazine for the inside scoop on Van's Vera Wang gown, custom invitations by Ceci New York, cake by Sylvia Weinstock, entertainment by Elan Artists, jewels by Tacori, and more!

And log onto USmagazine.com/wedding/winners and Celebrityweddingbuzz.com (by Weddingchannel.com) for regular planning updates from the insane team of celebrity pros!
We promise to keep you posted on all the gorgeous details we're pulling together for this truly deserving couple.

Bling, Bling! Rent these $11,250 Diamond Stunners...for $350

Broke the bank on that gorgeous gown and over-the-top centerpieces? Well, for my glamour gals out there--there's no need to worry about skimping on your accessories. Thanks to Adorn Brides, a new luxury jewelry rental company, you can now RENT these ridiculously beautiful baubles (yes, they are real) through The Knot Wedding Shop.

Adorn Brides' pieces range in retail value from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000 smackeroos. But, you can rent them for the fraction of the price. The insurance is included in the rental price--and covers the jewels during shipping and in your possession (although, you must give it back, i knowthere is a deductable if it's not returned).

So, deck yourselves out--and don't feel guilty. You saved your dad $10,900.

The Knot Live Episode 10-1

The Knot Live Episode 10-1

Shared via AddThis

The Knot LIVE! Tune in to see Amy Shey Jacobs & Lisa Loeb Next Wed. 8/19 at Noon ET

Photo: SotaDZine

Hello Brides!

Bring your lunch to work next Wednesday, August 19th. Chow down at your desk and turn the speakers up to view me (yes, me!) and my client, Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter/style icon Lisa Loeb as we dish the details of her wedding on The Knot LIVE!, the new show that airs live on mega wedsite TheKnot.com every Wednesday at Noon ET.

Happily married, Lisa is so lovely to join me and Knot editor Anja Winnika to talk about how we planned her winter wedding in a record-breaking three weeks, packed it with details, and stayed on--yes --a budget. Tons of eye candy from the magnificent photo team of Nicole Wolf at SOTA Zine and Justine Ungaro.

Plus, I'll talk about the importance of wedding-day photo shoots and provide some insider tips on what I think makes for a successful event--and how you can make big impacts with style without breaking your budget.

Spread the word!

PartySpot.com Features Chandelier Events: Rock Mitzvah

We're thrilled to announce that one of our recent events was highlighted on PartySpot.com (The Knot's party planning site for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, sweet 16s, quinces, milestones, and more!). Take a peak to see pics and tips from Spencer's Rock Mitzvah. We planned this event in under three months--and it rivaled any P-Diddy White Party.

Special Thanks to an amazing team:

Event Space: Skyline Studios (www.skylinestudiosnyc.com)
Catering: Creative Edge Parties (www.creativeedgeparties.com)
Lighting: Bentley Meeker (www.bentleymeeker.com)
Entertainment & Gaming: On the Move (www.onthemove.com)
Rentals: Jersey Street Furniture Rentals (www.jerseystreetfurniturerentals.com)
Candy: Sweet City Candy (www.sweetcitycandy.com)
Florals: Cambridge Floral (www.cambridgefloral.com)
Photography: Michael Jurick (www.jurick.net)
Accents: The MacBeth Collection (www.themacbethcollection.com)

To view the feature, click here!

Alice in Partyland

What's more girlie-girl than an Alice in Wonderland-inspired birthday party? Young or old, this magical world entices all to put on their prettiest party dress.

Recently, a friend's daughter expressed her wish for an Alice-themed soiree, and though she, in true three-going-on-fourteen style, has switched to a ballet-theme, I thought I'd share some ideas I whipped up for her with you.

Madhatters, delight!

Required Attire: Invite the girls to wear their prettiest party dress; have boys wear funky hats and you can even have white bunny ears.

Be On Time: Plastic, giant clocks double as a fabulous invitation (or table decor). Set the clock to the arrival time, and include a note: that says "Don't be late for this very important date!" This one is technically the Tinman's heart (from the Wizard of Oz) but would totally pass for the white rabbit's timepiece.

Tea Cup Centerpieces: Hit the local flea market and pick up vintage tea cups and tea pots at a discount. Cut large blooms and display ever so elegantly on your table.

Play With Your Food: Tag food with whimsical signs like "eat me" and "drink me" or, write "eat me" on the cupcakes. Serve a variety of teas in mix-and-match vintage tea pots, and tea sandwiches of course! For the kids, turkey and cheese; pb & j; and cream cheese will do! For the adults, add smoked salmon and dill to the cream cheese, offer ham & brie, and even an olive tapenade.

Photo: Country Living

Seating is Everything: Don't gamble with your seating chart. Create DIY placecards using playing cards (black & red, or in girlie colors! I found these pink decks on Amazon.com for $3.49.). The box can double as placecard and favor.

Entertain them! A teapot pinata is a must for the little ones! Break out the shrinky dinks. And, if we're talking 21 and over, perhaps a Hookah??? I'm just saying. . .

With all this sugary-sweet fun, make sure not to dose off into Neverland (oops, wrong fairytale!).

The Real Weddings of New Jersey

Fans of Divalicious Dina on Bravo's salacious hit "Real Housewives of New Jersey" know that the interior-designer-turned-wedding-planner was featured on VH1's My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding a few years back. She married the M.I.A. Tommy, co-owner of New Jersey's Brownstone Caterers...with a no holds bar budget.

Normally, I wouldn't post celebrity gossip on Chandelier, but it's raining and hey, it's a guilty pleasure to watch Dina show-off her wedding planning prowess, Jersey Girl style. Thanks to my fabulous facebook friend Rachel, I've uncovered the four-part video for you.

Next week, I promise, class will return.

Cole Haan Hitches Up with Ceci New York

When it comes to wedding shoes, I caution my clients to consider form AND function when shopping for the right pair. Between photo shoots, gracing the aisle, and rocking out at the reception--why have to sacrifice style for comfort as the event goes on? And who wants to be aching before the cake cutting!

Enter Cole Haan's new bridal collection designed in partnership with Ceci New York, the luxury wedding invitation design shop headed up by Lisa Hoffman. The best part of these super-stylish shoes is that they come with Cole Haan's signature Nike Air technology. Yep, you heard me right! And, they're dyeable (they come with two swatches for testing). Browse their selection (which start at $298; although my favorite, the Rose Sling comes in at ka-ching $428).

Chandelier Tip: Worried about spending another cent? When you're back from the honeymoon, dye them black! It's like two shoes (and a sneaker) in one gorgeous stiletto.

Sweet City Candy!

Indulging your inner child at Dylan's Candy Bar -- and your credit card? Well, if you're planning to buy your favorite sweets in bulk, look no further than the new supplier Sweet City Candy.

Wholesale pricing once available to retail shops and party planners is now accessible to you, too.
Sweet City Candy carries a full line of bulk candy (swedish fish!), chocolates (the most delish non-pariels ever!), retro candy (we're talking candy lipsticks), nuts & dried fruits, wrapped candy, sugarfree products, packaged candy, count goods, novelties, boxed chocolates, cookies and seasonal products, ice cream toppings, pez dispensers, the list goes on and on.

Note:the prices on this web site are for minimum quantities. You can save by purchasing in full case amounts (bulk items only) please call for details and quantity pricing. Call TOLL FREE 866-971-3360.

(Disclaimer: this site is run by candy guru -- and my oldest childhood friend -- Lauren Sachs...but I use her all of the time for events because the pricing and selection is simply unbeatable.)

Recipe for a Great Party

This weekend, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a close friend's private cooking party to celebrate her birthday at New York City's Rustico Cooking. About 25 of us were invited for an intimate night of Northern Italian cooking and eating in this 4,000-square-foot cooking loft, complete with a state-of-the-art kitchens and spacious dining room, and a spectacular view of the Empire State Building.

We arrived to appetizers and delicious wine, and then teamed up to create a tailor-made menu. My husband and I chose to make the dessert course (semi-freddo) and entree (a Mediterranean sea bass dish), while our counterparts made the appetizer (crispy crab ravioli served over asparagus and mixed greens), and two sides (a spinach-artichoke frittata and roasted fennel). Chef/owner Michol Negrin and her chef Gerry Biordi led us through crafting these delicious eats in an organized, yet fun manner (and I actually learned something!). And then, we dined! On the food we made! And it was good!

I urge you to check this out for your next bridal shower, anniversary party or even corporate teambuilding event (if there are any these days). Call 917-602-1519 or email to inquire about hosting this unique food & wine event at Rustico Cooking. Bon appetit!

Introducing PB& J StaceyCakes

Listen up, sweettooths! My dear friend Stacey Shapiro of Brooklyn's StaceyCakes has introduced me to the best treat since Tiramisu...the PB&J cupcake!

That's right: this Park Slope-mama-meets-gourmet took this classic 1940's lunch staple into what she dubs a "perfectly delicious new “old school” experience." Vanilla cake is injected with real grape jelly topped with creamy peanut butter vanilla frosting--and she's even sharing her StaceyCakes recipe with mini-Martha's like you...

StaceyCakes Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes

12 of your favorite vanilla cupcakes

peanut butter- 1/2 cup (or more depending on how peanut buttery you like it)

butter-1 stick unsalted, soft

vanilla-1 tsp.

confectioners sugar- 2 1/2 cups

light cream -1/4 cup

your favorite grape jelly (or any other flavor you prefer)- 1/2 cup or so--enough to fill a dozen cupcakes

Place butter & peanut butter in a mixing bowl, add 1 1/2 cups sugar, then light cream and then the vanilla. Mix on medium until smooth & creamy. Gradually add remaining sugar and if needed a touch more light cream. Then add more peanut butter to taste if you like.

Put grape jelly in a pastry bag with injecting tip and inject grape jelly into middle of cupcakes (this was the fun part!). Then frost cupcakes with peanut butter frosting then eat & enjoy (this was the most fun part!).

And if you don’t feel up to doing any of this, you can always order them from StaceyCakes (917.545.9995 )! Don't forget to check out other awesome designs in her gallery.

Ring Pillow Redux

It's been a while since I posted an Etsy find--and this precious blue seersucker ring pillow was worth the wait! Totally feminine, absolutely fresh, and perfect for a summer wedding by the sea.

My favorite part of this design: you can customize it! Petal pink or natural wheat more your thing? You've got it. This design comes in a variety of colors, from white-on-white to country red stripes. Plus, you can pick the stud, from a pearl to a vintage cameo. And, at $38, this baby will spark some style down the aisle--without setting your budget on fire.

For more beautiful handmade ring pillows, check out Etsy.com's Ring Pillow gallery.

Marchesa, Mischka & Miller...Now for Rent!

Worried about breaking that already-vulnerable budget on chic frocks for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and summer cocktail parties? Well, fret no more. Enter Ilus NYC, a hot new downtown designer dress rental boutique, where you can rent designer dresses for 3+ days at a time for a low cost. Talk about guilt-free style.

We're not talking used prom dresses or mother-of-the-bride leftovers, ladies. Ilus carries Badgley Mischka Platinum, Nicole Miller, Jill Stuart, Marchesa, and many other designers. This sunset/indigo ombre charmeuse gown by Nicole Miller is available for $130 (+ 10 cleaning fee) -- original price? $680!

Think: special events, weddings/rehearsal dinners, mom's to be, or anyone that is changing size frequently. Who wants to purchase an expensive designer dress for an event to wear once? It's a great way to extend your wardrobe without having to deal with the cost of a dress that you may never wear again. Ilus also carries accessories like clutches, wraps and jewels.

When it’s time to return your dress, simply drop the dress off at their Nolita location, or schedule a pick up by phone or email (how convenient is that?!). And, they ship outside of NYC. If you fall in love with the dress, yes, you can buy it!

Recession treat on us: Receive 25% off your first rental at Ilus NYC by mentioning "Chandelier Events". Happy Shopping!

DIY Baby Shower Inspiration

Recently, I threw a baby shower for a dear friend -- while low-key and low on cost, it was HIGH on style. In response to a reader request (yes, that's you Jen), I decided it was a perfect time to share some ideas that won't break the bank.

PICK A THEME: For this shower, the mama-to-be was lucky enough to have the last name 'Angel'. For her little boy on the way, I thought there was nothing more appropo for this Brooklyn jetsetting mom than to make her a Hell's Angels - I mean, Harley Davidson - inspired shower. So, I enlisted the help of a graphic designer friend to make a logo for "Baby Boy Angel" that we printed on labels and applied it to the cups (who says plastic isn't chic), favor boxes, and the centerpieces.

GROCERY STORE FLOWERS: You need not spend a fortune on flowers. The trick to grocery store flowers is choosing a single bloom and a single color. Carnations are my favorite for this strategy: they are cheap, cheap, but when packed together in square glass vases or galvanized buckets (I bought these for $5 a piece at the local hardware/landscaping store), they look anything but flimsy. Tulips and spider mums are also great, economical choices. I did these in hot pink for a bridal shower.

GET CRAFTY: My favorite trick is the "wrapping paper runner". I did not invent it, but I certainly introduce it at all my kids' parties and impromptu showers/dinners. For an 8 foot table, it usually takes one-to-two regular rolls of paper (make sure it's a thick paper stock so it doesn't rip). Cut it straight down the center vertically, and secure it to a paper or plastic tablecloth with double-sided tape. Redstamp.com is an amazing source for chic wrapping paper.

THE POWER OF PLASTIC: Do not underestimate the power of plastic goods. Yes, they're not exactly "green" (but you can find disposable eco-friendly party supplies at plumparty.com). But they are good on the bottomline. The trick is to pick a color and pay attention to shapes. Party City and Party Fair carry a myriad of colors, and I LOVE this turquoise.

Other inspiring themes? Cravings shower (I did Pickles N Ice Cream); Bubble Bath Brunch (with Rubber Duckie placecards, wash cloth napkins, and clear crystal balls on a tray for a centerpiece); or, Candyland with apothecary jars filled with candy in a color that doubles as centerpiece AND favor.

Lisa & Roey Wed

Photo: Justine Ungaro & SOTA DZINE/STUDIO THISIS courtesy of People.com

Read about our latest wedding on People.com and more photos from their fabulous fete in this Friday's issue of PEOPLE Magazine.

Mazel tov, Lisa & Roey!

xoxo, Amy

Fresh Find: Vintage-Inspired Cupcake Liners

So you've decided to whip up your own cupcakes this year -- hey, we all need to do a little D.I.Y. these days. Well, no need to sacrifice style in a recession! Inexpensively sweeten-up your homemade cupcakes with decorative cupcake liners, like these precious pink and brown flower cupcake liners from Layer Cake Shop.

For just $5.25, you'll receive a pack of 50 Pink and Brown Sweet Flower Cupcake Liners. These are standard size with a 2" diameter bottom. Check out their selection of cute cupcake toppers and sprinkles, too!

A Bendel's Bridal Shower

So, you may not be splurging at Henri Bendel on an average Saturday these days (thank you Wall St), but don't fret: this famed swank shopping spot on New York's Fifth Avenue doubles as the perfect spot for a bridesmaids lunch or bridal shower.

Take your closest ladies to the counter at Memoire Liquide's Bespoke Perfumery where they can mix-and-match over 150 fragrance oils and create their own signature scent for your wedding day (can you say, bridesmaid gift?!). Maybe sample a make-up artist or two while on site. Then, head to The Chocolate Bar for downright divine snacks (they serve a full menu of sandwiches, drinks--and of course, chocolates!).

Who says you can't indulge? At least for one day, right?

The New "Polaroid" Guestbook

Urban Outfitters is a haven for quirky event ideas--and I knew I stumbled on something supercool when I found Fuji's new instax photo system that instantly prints beautiful credit card-size color photos in minutes - sharp and clear on Fuji instax film! Instead of the bulky, old- fashioned polaroid (did I hear a rumor they're discontinued anyway?), sit this baby on a table in the reception for your guests to shoot themselves and place in your guestbook like a Kolo album.

Or, buy them as bridesmaids or groomsmen gifts--and have them shoot the festivites from their P.O.V. Plus, it's cool enough to take with you on your destination wedding jaunt or honeymoon where you can create an instant photo album with pics from the adventures each day.

Lightweight and compact, the stylish instax mini 7 camera goes anywhere. Operation is easy - simply check the LED exposure indicator and press the shutter,Auto focus; auto flash; built-in lens cover; instructions included. * 5"w, 5"h, 2.5"d*, 1-year manufacturer's warranty.

$130 at Urbanoutfitters.com.

Take a Seat

Lounges at receptions have been around for a while now, so I've been a bit bored by the typical white furniture. That's why I was so excited to see that prop rental companies like Taylor Creative in New York have expanded their options. Check out their Windsor Collection (in photo): this super elegant tufted banquette is covered in a plush white synthetic suede. This seating collection is delivered in 2 parts: one piece is 8' long, the other 10' long and them mitor together in the corner. Seats 8 people.

TIP: Check with your reception site about building restrictions, extra load-in fees, insurance, and elevator policies--and don't forget to measure the dimension of elevators and hallways. If you're working with a planner, these should be on their list already so don't fret!