Peony is the new Wedding flower

A single stem Peony can be very beautiful and simple

A vintage centerpiece of Peonies

A Peony bridal bouquet: Gorgeous

Peonies are available at flower shops on St. Maarten. In fact any flower your heart desires can be found here. The island's busy airport makes it possible for flowers to be flown in almost daily. Therefore flower shops carry a wide variety of fresh flowers from all over the world.

Photos courtesy of Intimate Weddings

What is the new Black?

Trends are a big part of event planning.
Unless you want a more classic feel, trends ensure that your party is not soo last year.
Before I explain what all is trending in the event industry at the moment, I need to say this:  if you are having an important event and you would like for example the color "yellow" to be incorporated, then use yellow. After all that is what is in your heart and it is your party and your dollars.

Too often we see that people choose something because it is in style and it ends up not suiting them or the party. Also, there are classics that are tried and true and sometimes you should just
K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetheart)!

With that said, you may still ask: what are the trends?  Well for starters orange is the new black at least when it comes to party decor.

A little too much colour for you? Try it more conservatively. Like this:

Other "trendencies":
- Cake Pops, Cake Push Pops & Macaroons are the new Cupcakes
- Tablets are the new writing pads for keeping it all orgganized
- Tea based drinks are the new infused vodkas
- Huge balloons are the new wedding decor (as seen in our previous post)
Just to name but a few......

But whether you choose to incorporate the latest trends or not, talk to your planner to find out what will suit your event the best.

Cherise

Wedding Balloons

I know you read the title and thought: huh? Now there's an oxymoron if I ever read one.

Well, you read right.

I got a wedding update from one of our regular suppliers that I dub as the 'usual suspects' displaying these amazing balloons. Never in the history of event planning have the words 'balloon' and 'elegant' appeared in a sentence unless it read: "Balloons are not Elegant!"

Think again! See below the inspirational picture sent out displaying just how gorgeous these balloons are.

Cherise

Logistics Manager and Wedding Expert

Advice for the Destination Bride

The wedding season is here! And nowhere is this more visible than in the Caribbean. As wedding planners on the Friendly Island we feel such prides when we see smiling young (and older couples) descent planes at the Princess Juliana International Airport holding the most valuable accessory of the wedding: the wedding dress.

St. Maarten is a year round wedding destination. With it's sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets and busy nightlife it is one of the preferred destinations for a wedding or vow renewal. Add to the list the fact that it is easy to get to from virtually anywhere in the world and you got yourself a winner.

Whatever the reason for choosing our beautiful island one must remember that it is after all an island. As much as we try to make sure our brides have the most beautiful of days (our most requested being the anti-rain dance) small details might still not go as planned.

Here's how to cope:

• Here on St. Maarten we consider rain on your wedding day to be a Blessing from above. So if it drizzles, smile and thank the heavens.
• The sun can be quite intense in the months of May, June and July. Even with grey skies one can get a nasty sun burn. Make sure to carry after sun care lotions with you or better yet, ask us about our local recipe made of fresh aloe. We do recommend that brides try to avoid sun bathing on the days prior to the wedding but if you must, it is important to avoid tan lines at any cost.
• Especially for the DIY brides: It is important not to stress yourself on the day of your wedding. Planning a wedding is stressful enough. Planning it in in a complete different country is pure madness. Hire a coordinator for the day if you cannot afford a full time planner. This coordinator can manage the vendors and take care of the last minute details and thus give you the space to enjoy your own wedding.
• What happens if the sun is unmercifully hot? Avoid having the cake outside on display. Instead keep it refrigerated and wheel it out just before cutting it.
• Most beach weddings happen around sunset. This makes for a beautiful setting and gorgeous photos. But keep in mind that it can be still quite hot for your guests. Especially if they are not used to the island temperature. Have a beverage table at the ceremony site with simple drinks such as water and lemonade. For a Caribbean twist add a delicious fruit punch.
• Beware of the sandflies! These little insects come out just before the sun sets and hang around for an hour or two after. They bite, and they bite hard. Just keep this in mind if planning an after-ceremony bash on the beach.
• Consider renting a bus with chauffeur to shuttle your guests to and from the wedding location. This is an excellent way of securing the early arrival of everyone.
• Last but not least: You're in the Caribbean. Relax Mon! Everything is gonna be alright.

Riselle

Owner and Head Planner

Sign up for Contacts & Cocktails and get $5 off cover charge

Contacts & Cocktails - an after work networking event for professional women on St. Maarten takes place on Friday, March 30th at The Red Paino in Pelican.
Cover charge: $20 but ONLY $15 if you RSVP before March 28th.
Event starts at 6:00pm Sharp (doors open at 5:30pm) with a Speed Networking program and followed by a cocktail party where one can mix and mingle. Delicious cocktails and complimentary tapas. The popular make up brand BOBBI BROWN will be present to give 5-minute make up demonstrations for the woman on the go. Not to forget a little business card draw with fantastic prizes from Roma Designs, Bobbi Brown and more.
If you are a career woman, a business woman, you are looking for a job or thinking of starting your own business then this is an event you do not want to miss.

This is an event by Glitter with the support of Roma Models, Bobbi Brown, The Red Piano and Bon Appetit.



RSVP/ info@glitterparties.com or on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/282171791851682/

A Modern Venetian Masquerade Event

Client: Holland House Beach Hotel
Type of Event: New Year's Eve Dinner and After Party