Rhonda Bassat-Rivera, NJ wedding planner

A View From An Intern

2009-06-04T12:54:00.004-05:00

My name is Kate. Last summer I worked with Rhonda as an intern for Bride Ideas. I was able to help her with two different weddings during that time. Each wedding had their own stress points from personalities to working with various vendors. Overall, it was definitely an eye-opening experience because I learned that wedding planning isn't all about cake tasting, dress-fittings, flowers and invitations. There is much more involved, especially if you have your own business.

As a graduating senior from high school, we are required to do a project in May where we work as an intern. I decided to go back to Bride Ideas because I am still really interested in wedding planning and wanted to learn even more about the business. This time around, I worked on two separate celebrations. These celebrations were really rewarding because I was involved with the actual setting up of the venues. Not only did I get to see Rhonda drafting up the timelines in the office, I actually got to see how useful they were when it came to the actual wedding day. I can't imagine not having a planner at a wedding because it is really important to make sure that everything is on schedule so that the wedding runs smoothly.

I also got to see the marketing side of the business which I learned is a huge part of it. No matter how good of a wedding planner you are, it is important to keep finding new ways to get your name out there. Because of the new wave of technology there are so many different wedding websites to put your company's name on that it can be overwhelming.

I have learned a lot from this experience, mainly that wedding planning is anything but glamorous. However, even though it is not glamorous, it is very satisfying when you see the happiness of the newlyweds when they see their carefully decorated venue and their gratefulness for their stress-free day. I have not yet decided if wedding planning is the thing for me, but I have learned that it will be very important to take marketing in college! I want to thank Rhonda for letting me work with her again, I learned so much!

Cupcake Disaster ... AVERTED!

2009-05-27T10:57:00.004-05:00

I wanted to share with you the recent tale of two cupcakes. Well, actually, two cupcake deliveries!

My clients' wedding on May 9th was a very intimate and beautiful celebration. Twenty-five people gathered to celebrate with Mireya and Brian well at the Hyatt Regency in Jersey City, right on the Hudson River with gorgeous views of Manhattan. The day was running so smoothly, we knew there had to be a snag somewhere...and that's when the cupcakes arrived!

Mireya and Brian had planned for their guests to have dinner and dessert in the Hyatt's private dining room, with windows on all sides overlooking NYC. The dessert centerpiece was to be cupcakes with special red icing roses on their tops on a lovely 3-tiered stand. The cupcakes were to be on display all night - like a wedding cake (in fact, there were 2 cupcakes in the shape of traditional wedding cakes, for the bride and groom).

The bride and groom were taking photos when I got a call from the Hyatt's Banquet Manager, Sandra, to come to the kitchen right away. The cupcakes had arrived -- all "smooshed". They hadn't been properly packed by the bakery and all, except for the two for Mireya and Brian, were unsalvagable! I sent them back and requested a new batch be sent right away. Now, this was 4 pm and the dinner started at 5. I started preparing for the worst, and as Plan B we called around and found a back-up bakery who would be able to have 23 cupcakes ready for us, sans the icing roses. So, we waited, called, and prayed that the cupcakes from the original bakery would arrive on time and in tact!

Luckily, right at 5 pm, the second batch of cupcakes arrived and were totally fine. While the excellent staff at the Hyatt put them out on display, I kept the guests (and the bride and groom!) distracted during the now-extended cocktail hour. At 5:30, just 1/2 hour late, the doors to the dining room opened, the cupcakes were beautifully displayed, and no one was the wiser! Cupcake disaster averted!

Until next time, happy planning...

Summer intern

2009-05-06T13:28:00.002-05:00

I want to introduce you all to Kate, who is going to be Bride Ideas intern over this month. She is a senior in high school, on her way to my alma mater, Bucknell University in the fall. Last summer, she interned with Bride Ideas during the month of July, and she just couldn't help herself - she's back for more!

As wedding season is getting into swing, Kate will have 2 weddings this month to help out with - and also help us prepare for a wedding next month. I'm excited to help Kate explore the wedding industry, to see if this is where she wants to be! I'll ask Kate if she's interested in writing a blog post or two about her experiences!!

Until next time, happy planning...

Ways to cut costs but achieve amazing results

2009-04-29T10:24:00.002-05:00

Last month, I was interviewed for a feature article in NJ View Magazine about how couples are cutting back on their budgets but not sacrificing any important perks for their wedding celebrations. I was honored to be only 1 of 3 planners in all of New Jersey consulted for this piece!

Here's a link to the article: http://njviewmagazine.com/article_bridal.htm - enjoy!!

Until next time, happy planning...

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T10:47:00.002-05:00

Today is Earth Day - a time to reflect and do your part to save our planet. What does that mean for wedding planners? Planning a green wedding, of course!

Here are some "green ideas":

-Instead of flowers, use locally grown produce such as pumpkins, apples, oranges, etc. for decorations

-Use recycled paper for your invitations.

-Go paperless for your invitations - or at least your response cards!

-Choose your honeymoon wisely - think eco-tourism!

-Select your wedding rings made from recycled precious metals and stones.

-Choose a vintage wedding dress.

What ideas do you have to share? I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, happy planning...

Planning Your Dream Wedding In This Economy

2009-04-15T09:47:00.002-05:00

He finally popped the question, and you said yes! That was in December - now you're in full planning mode. Except the economy has contracted, perhaps one of you has lost your job or is in danger of doing so, and you're trying to figure out how you're going to pay for your dream wedding.

Does this scenario sound familiar? I bet it does to many of you, unfortunately. That's just the reality of the current economy.

My first piece of advice is not to finance your entire wedding on credit cards. Your wedding is the first day of the marriage that will last your lifetime - and who wants to start off being in debt?

My next piece of advice is not to cut back so drastically that you don't even recognize any part of your dream wedding. If you always wanted a live band during your reception, believe it or not there are excellent bands out there that don't charge an arm and a leg! In my market, I know bands that charge in excess of $20,000 and those that charge less than a quarter of that price tag and have an equally packed dance floor. Does your vision always include chair covers? There are other rental options in the marketplace, such as "chair caps" and "chair backs" that will give you much of the same effect at a fraction of the cost. And the best way to control your budget is, as it always has been, to cut your guest list.

My final piece of advice on this topic is to seek out professional assistance. A truly professional wedding consultant will be able to help you reframe your dream wedding so that you achieve the same look and feel, but at a budget that you're comfortable with. We know the industry, know the vendors, and can truly make your day more than you even imagined!

Until next time, happy planning...

Bridal Show in Puerto Rico

2009-03-18T10:31:00.009-05:00

Hi all,

Sorry I've been MIA for a bit - while no excuse, I was away in Puerto Rico and had the pleasure of attending a bridal show over there! The Association of Bridal Consultants had a booth, and I got to know Sari and John Skalnik of Tropical Weddings (http://www.tropicalweddingspr.com/) - they are so much fun! If you are thinking of getting married on Puerto Rico, you MUST contact them!!

Sari, John and me (right-to-left) outside the Puerto Rico Convention Center.

I want to share some photos I took from the bridal show. Beautiful designs were on full display -I hope you get some inspiration!!

Until next time, happy planning...

Alternative Centerpiece Ideas

2009-02-18T09:26:00.004-05:00

Recently I've been asked about centerpieces that don't revolve around flowers. My clients either are very eco-conscious or were looking for new ways to personalize their wedding celebration. So, to this challenging question, I came up with the following alternatives:

1. Use a potted plant with a decorated container. That way, the winner of the centerpiece can take it home and plant it, or add it to their houseplant collection.

2. Wrap up the favors into different sized boxes and pile them in the center of the table. At an appropriate time during the evening, tell your guests to pick their favor.

3. Do something really unusual - wrap a stuffed animal in beautiful paper and then announce that the centerpieces are being donated to a homeless shelter.

What do you think? Do you have any creative ideas for your wedding reception that you would like to share? I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, happy planning...

Valentine's Day is coming!

2009-02-10T12:58:00.003-05:00

Valentine's Day is this Saturday! A time for you to pause from your wedding planning and to remember why you're getting married - the love you share!

There are so many ways to celebrate this holiday, from lavish dinners out to an intimate dinner for two at home. Whether you go out or stay in, just focus on each other and your celebration will be just perfect!

Until next time, happy planning...

Congratulations to the Yoshas!

2009-01-26T18:46:00.004-05:00

I was sooo excited to see Lindsey & Jonthan's great photo in the new issue of New Jersey Bride! Check out page 41 to see their beautiful ceremony site! Here's a little preview:

Also in this issue is a little article about me, when I went to Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica and rubbed elbows with the industry's elite - Preston Bailey and Sylvia Weinstock.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine as much as I did!

Until next time, happy planning...

Sandals Royal Bahamian

2009-01-19T21:28:00.005-05:00

For most of last week, I escaped the frigid temperatures of NJ for the relatively more balmy ones of the Bahamas! I was invited to go on a "fam trip" to Sandals Royal Bahamian - to visit the resort and experience it first-hand. Please contact me if you are interested in a Sandals honeymoon or vacation, as I can help you decide which resort is perfect for you!

Royal Bahamain is, like every Sandals resort, perfectly manicured. The grounds are beautiful and lush. The resort itself is relatively small, which makes it very easy to navigate. There are 2 main pools and many hot tubs dotted throughout. Also, there's a private island about 5 minutes away by boat that has a restaurant, spa, and great beaches. The restaurants have great a la carte menus and the drinks are all included!

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't all that great. We were mainly in sweatshirts and long pants. I know - you were getting snow, so I can hear the violins from here! It was the weird weather pattern that was affecting Miami that blew over to the island. Oh well!

Here are a couple of photos of the Royal Bahamian (I was the photographer, not the photographee!). The first one is of the resort from the private island, and the second is my friend and fellow wedding planner, Anna Weaver, on the pier back from the private island.

Until next time, happy planning...

Services & Fees

2009-01-09T10:17:00.003-05:00

I just did something a bit radical in the wedding industry. Not many wedding consultants have done this, but for many reasons I felt I needed to do it. Mary Dann, a celebrity wedding planner in California with whom I met during the annual Association of Bridal Consultants conference, encouraged me to join her. So, now I went ahead and posted my Services and Fees on my website!

Why do something a bit outside the box? First, I thought it would provide some information to newly engaged couples like yourself as to the range of pricing for wedding consultants in the northern NJ area. There are so many TV programs that show how wedding planners help a couple throughout the planning process, and probably many of you think that because it's on TV that you cannot afford much needed help. By listing my services and fees, I wanted to take the mystery out of this process.

Second, I wanted to show you how many valuable services a wedding planner provides. As a newly engaged couple, you may not realize how much is involved in planning a wedding - as many as 120 decisions are made during the course of your engagement!

Third, when I started Bride Ideas back in 2002, I made the decision to charge a flat fee depending upon the services my clients needed, and not upon whether the reception is at The Pleasantdale Chateau, Stirling Ridge or The Bethwood. I also do not charge my vendors to be recommended by me, or take a commission from them when my recommendation is hired. In fact, I ask that if a commission is offered, that it be given to my client as a "Bride Ideas' discount." That's my philosophy.

Please know that I am not trying to make a "commodity" out of wedding consulting services. There is a range of pricing on Bride Ideas' site, as the exact amount can only be determined after we have an initial meeting and all of the details are discussed. Of course, custom packages are often created based upon your individual needs! I am here to help guide couples on their way down the aisle, and felt it was time that I lifted the veil, so to speak, on Bride Ideas' services and fees. I hope it helps!

Until next time, happy planning...

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-05T10:16:00.002-05:00

Well, it's that time of year again. Or, more accurately, five days ago was "that time of year again." The time when we look back on 2008, assess what we did right and not so right, and resolve to make changes in 2009.

For many of you, 2008 brought new changes - perhaps an engagement! 2009 will be a year of planning and celebrating that decision. I hope your new year's resolution is to remember that a wedding is a happy occasion, a time for your family and friends to come together and share in your joy and happiness. Try to remember the reason for all the planning that is to come, and not get bogged down in all the details!

For me, one of my new year's resolutions is a bit more mundane: to get and KEEP my office organized. For those of you who have been to my office, you probably didn't notice the huge pile of papers hidden in the back closet - only to return to my desk as soon as you left! I want to figure out a way to organize my office so it is a more stress-free place to create wonderful weddings!

How about you? What is your new year's resolution? I'd love to know!

Until next time, happy planning...

Attitude of Gratitude

2008-12-29T17:37:00.002-05:00

I've been hearing that phrase a lot lately - "attitude of gratitude." At first, I have to admit that I just scoffed at it, thinking it was a hollow string of rhyming words. However, I have come to embrace the meaning of the phrase, and wanted to share with you some of the things I'm grateful for over the past year:

I'm grateful for my clients who trusted in my guidance for decor and vendors, and had absolutely beautiful celebrations.

I'm grateful for my clients who challenged me to become a much better communicator.

I'm grateful for the Association of Bridal Consultants, which provides me with education and networking opportunities.

I'm grateful for the wedding professionals with whom I've worked, who enhanced my clients weddings by going above and beyond.

I'm grateful for all the new vendors that I've met but not yet had a chance to work with, because they show me alternative ways of reaching a client's dreams.

I'm grateful for all the emails and cards from my clients, sharing their growing families.

I'm grateful for everyone who reaches out to me for my professional guidance, as it truly is my honor to be asked to share in your most important day.

Personally, I'm grateful for my loving husband, playful cats, supportive family and understanding friends, who constantly remind me that my most valuable possession is them!

Until next time, happy planning...

Finally, I'm on Facebook!

2008-12-21T20:03:00.003-05:00

Well, I took some time out this week to check out Facebook. What an amazing site!! I signed up and created a page for Bride Ideas. Check it out by going to www.facebook.com and searching for Bride Ideas. I'm sure there's a more direct route, but that should work!

Feel free to check out the Bride Ideas page - become a fan and/or start a discussion. This is just another way to reach out to you and assist you in your wedding preparations!

At this time of year, we are reminded of all our friends and family who have influenced us along the way. Facebook is a great way to reconnect with those who may have relocated or with whom you simply lost touch.

This week, have a Happy Hanukkah or Merry Christmas! Enjoy your time with your loved ones!

Until next time, happy planning...

Some fun pix from recent conferences

2008-12-16T13:54:00.005-05:00

Hi all!! Just wanted to share some photos from the recent conferences I attended. Pictured above is Colin Cowie and myself at the ABC Conference in November in Newport Beach, CA. Colin was the featured speaker at the conference, and shared photos and stories of his simply amazing celebrations all over the world. You will never find a more generous and gentlemanly man!

This photo is (from l-r) of me, Lovelynn Jensen (ABC member and speaker at the Wedding MBA conference), Dena Davey (ABC's Director of Marketing), Joyce Smith (OH state coordinator for the ABC) and Kim Horn (AZ state coordinator for the ABC). The Wedding MBA was a great 2-day seminar that focused on web 2.0 and all things new so that I can better keep in touch with all of you!

To the right is a photo of Mary Dann and myself at the ABC conference just last month in Newport Beach, CA. Mary and I had a wonderful conversation about the wedding industry and she gave me lots of new ideas to bring back to you! She was a featured speaker at the conference, during which she shared some of her insights about the wedding consulting profession.

Hope you enjoyed these photos! Until next time, happy planning...

The Holidays are UPON us!

2008-12-07T19:54:00.002-05:00

I just got finished going through my calendar and adding in all the holiday parties we've been invited to. Whew! Seems like there won't be any time to decorate, bake, shop for gifts - let alone actually get work done! And I have a sneaking suspicion that you have the same problem.

I know that we are all busy. Believe me, as a wedding consultant, I totally understand about crazy schedules! All of my clients have so many demands on their time and I am continually working around their requirements and coordinating with vendors' appointments. No easy task! Add in holiday merriment, and getting anything done can be quite an achievement!

So, during this time of year, whether you've been engaged for months or just received the ring, take time away from planning and enjoy being with your family. Create cherished moments! Get inspired! Try not to make wedding planning just another thing you have on your "to do" list.

Until next time, happy planning...

Following a theme - Celebration Studios

2008-12-01T10:07:00.002-05:00

Hi all,

I got an amazing response after my last blog post about Calvary Bridal House. I do want to let you know that tomorrow - December 2nd - is the "bar date," or the deadline to submit your proof of claim forms to the court. If you are owed money from Calvary Bridal House, please get your claim form in!! Also, according to court documents, the bankruptcy case for Calvary Bridal House recently was converted from a chapter 11 to a chapter 7, which means the shop is being liquidated and will no longer be operating.

A similar case in the NJ area that affected nearly 4000 couples was that of Celebration Studios. Photographers and videographers subcontracted by Celebration Studios had taken photos/video of all these weddings and then the company went out of business overnight. Here is the good news: you can now pick up your pictures and video!! I don't know the status of them, though - my guess is they are unedited - but, as long as you get the raw data, you'll be able to put them into your preferred format! Here's a link to the story on WCBS NewRadio 880 about Celebration Studios: http://www.wcbs880.com/pages/3365236.php. (special thanks to Roxanne Geyer at WCBS NewsRadio 880 for this link!) I hope I've helped you get your special memories back!

Until next time, happy planning...

Calvary Bridal House in Millburn

2008-11-20T11:31:00.002-05:00

Sorry I've been MIA for a bit... From November 7-12, I was in Newport Beach, CA, attending the Association of Bridal Consultants' annual conference. This was my 7th straight year attending conference, and once again, it did not disappoint! I was able to reconnect with old friends from across the globe, meet new and exciting people working in the wedding industry, and learn a great deal from the educational seminars! Colin Cowie was this year's featured speaker, and he brought amazing photos of weddings he's done and graciously posed for many photos! In my next post, I'll publish some of the photos that I took in CA!

However, I wanted to point out an issue that's been going on in NJ - the bankruptcy filing of Calvary Bridal House in Millburn. According to reports, the bridal salon took bride's deposits and orders and simply pocketed the money without submitting the orders to the designers! There's a pretty good article about this in the NJ Star Ledger: http://www.nj.com/independentpress/index.ssf/2008/11/calvary_bridal_leaves_town.html. Apparently, the shop has now relocated to Livingston.

Now, in a former life, I was a bankruptcy attorney. Essentially what will happen is all the brides who purchased gowns - or put money down for dresses but never received them - will be deemed "unsecured creditors." They will be required to file a Claim and will be processed amongst all the other creditors to Calvary Bridal House. The Bankruptcy Court essentially will look at all the money available to pay Calvary's bills, and divide that money up among the creditors. In cases I worked on, unsecured creditors received anywhere from 2 cents on the dollar all the way up to over 90 cents, all depending on a multitude of factors. I can't help but feel really badly for anyone who bought their dress from Calvary, as you will more than likely have to go to another shop for your dress and wait until the bankruptcy is finished before receiving a portion of your deposit back.

Calvary Bridal House isn't the only wedding business to file for bankruptcy and/or disappear lately. Celebration Studios comes to mind, and just a night or two ago I heard of another photography studio in Staten Island closing up without warning. The lesson for you is to check out - as much as you can - how well established the company is, check with the Better Business Bureau, etc. One thing you can do for yourself, though, is to hire a professional wedding consultant who knows the local industry and reliable companies. Sometimes we hear rumblings about companies before they become known to the public; other times, we can steer you to professional vendors who more than likely will provide you with service that exceeds your expectations.

Until next time, happy planning...

62 years

2008-10-09T12:53:00.003-05:00

In my last post, I was just leaving for Phoenix to attend a wedding industry conference, and promised to tell you all about it when I got home. Unfortunately, I was derailed from doing that because my grandfather passed away suddenly and I'm only now getting back on track. So, I want to devote this post to my grandfather, and I promise to get back to you with the Phoenix update next time!

My grandfather was 91 when he passed away, and his mind was still sharp as a tack even though his body was getting frail. He and my grandmother (who just turned 90) were married for 62 years! In growing up with them and watching them even when I moved out of the house, I picked up a few pieces of wisdom about marriage that I'd like to pass along.

First, keep your sense of humor...laughter really is the best medicine

Second, maintain communication...be honest and open with each other

Third, feed your own interests...you'll be a happier and more well-rounded partner

Fourth, discuss money and plan for the future...so you'll be able to enjoy your retirement comfortably

Finally, always remember to say "I love you!"

I will miss my grandfather's very dry wit and support of everything I do, but am so happy that I had the blessing of him in my life for as long as I did. He was many things to many different people, but to me, he's simply "grandpa."

Until next time, happy planning...

Off to Phoenix

2008-09-21T20:57:00.002-05:00

As I pause from packing to write this blog entry, I'm getting very excited about the conference I'll be attending in Phoenix from Tuesday to Thursday this week. The wedding-industry conference will feature speakers from many different media outlets - from Martha Stewart Weddings to Conde Nast, Get Married and The Knot. Plus, wedding professionals from all over the country will be in attendance. I look forward to sharing my insights with you upon my return!

Until next time, happy planning...

Green Weddings

2008-09-14T20:13:00.002-05:00

Today, the big trend is toward "green weddings." If you pick up a bridal magazine or go to any wedding website, you're bound to see an article about how to make your wedding "green." So, what does this really mean?

There are many ways in which to make your big day more eco-friendly. Consider having your invitations and all related wedding paper (your menus, programs, escort cards) printed on recycled paper. Or, you can take it to the extreme and email your wedding invitations - or at least have the rsvp's go to a website. This way, you'll save on both the paper and the transportation costs for the respond envelope to be mailed back to you.

Other ideas that can make your wedding "greener" are to ask the florist if they will compost the leftover flowers. Request that your caterer cook with locally grown produce. There is even a company that will take all of the leftovers from your event and donate it for you to local homeless shelters. (Make sure to check with your reception site to make sure of any restrictions they may have, based upon liability/insurance requirements.)

I hope this post starts your mind thinking of ways to make a huge impact on your guests for your wedding, while limiting the impact to the earth!

Until next time, happy planning...

Moved in!

2008-09-07T16:21:00.002-05:00

Well, it's hard to believe that we've been in our new place for over a week now! I'm finally getting rid of some of the astounding number of boxes, and some rooms even look livable!! It actually was nice re-setting up my office here, and culling some of the items while adding others to the display. Of course, there's still nothing on the walls and plenty more boxes to go around...

As we've been suffering this move, I've been contemplating why I kept so many things for so long. Some of it was photos and notes from growing up, which made me smile to look at again. But then there was chipped pottery, waaaay too many tubes of toothpaste(!), lampshades from lamps that we no longer have, and the list goes on. Why? I guess it was part of my pack-rat sentimentality, as well as the "you don't know when you can use this again" thought process. I hope I've learned my lesson - if you're not using it, either donate it or throw it away! Hope this piece of advice helps you as well!!

Until next time, happy planning...

What a wonderful wedding!

2008-08-26T12:45:00.002-05:00

I'm in the middle of packing and finalizing all the details for our move on Friday, but wanted to quickly write about the wonderful wedding I coordinated on Saturday. Asa and Alison were just the most lovely people, and their wedding was filled with special touches, which made their day so meaningful for everyone in attendance.

Alison and Asa really incorporated their heritage into the ceremony and reception. They spent their time, and had their MC, thank everyone for coming from far and wide (including many, many other countries). It was the special details that made everyone feel so welcome and happy to be a part of their unique celebration.

One moment stands out in my memory, which is when Asa's father made his toast. He gave Asa a list of 13 tips to make his marriage the most important facet of his life. Then, he blessed Asa (they are from Uganda) -- it was absolutely so heartfelt and moving.

So, when planning your wedding, don't overlook the small touches. While the color of the flowers, your decor and the menu all contribute to making your day memorable, when it really comes down to it, it's your family and friends that make all the difference!

Until next time, happy planning...

Bride Ideas is moving!

2008-08-21T16:34:00.003-05:00

Hi all,

I just want to let you all know that as of next Friday, August 29th, Bride Ideas' office will be moving. We'll still be in West Orange, about 1 mile away from our current location.

So, as a result, I don't think I'll be back on my blog until after Labor Day. I promise to post photos of the wedding for Asa & Alison this weekend when I'm back! Plus fill you in on some other new and exciting changes at Bride Ideas!

Until next time, happy planning...