Wedding in Paris

SGA Events has recently launched Wedding in the City of light, We have teamed up with the most reputable french suppliers to offer you a luxury package at negotiated rates.

The Wedding in the City of Light includes:
A Sumptuous venue and catering provided by Maison des Polytechniciens
Photography by international wedding photographer Romain Negre
Hair and Make Up by leading bridal company Evenement beaute

A professional wedding planner available for meetings in the UK and planning of your event in France.

This is the perfect package to relieve couples from the stress of finding suppliers abroad. SGA Events brings you a luxury service with the best suppliers at the best prices. And thanks to our network of exclusives partners we can recommend many more suppliers: florists, entertainments, accomodations...

                                                            www.sgaevents.com

Planning a personal event !

I have been busy planning a launch party for SGA Events and I am feeling the pressure and when talking to a friend of mine earlier he reminded me how challenging planning my wedding had been. And I thought I would share some elements of my experience with you. My wedding was by far the most important event I have ever planned. It is a personal event that I dreamed of since I was a child. All details mattered.
My husband wanted a 24 months engagement. However I couldn't wait that long, I promised him that we wouldn't spend over 15k and that we would have my fairy tale wedding. We got engaged in January and married the following October. 10 months for a bride to be who not only did not know a thing about weddings but did not have anyone around who had been married recently.

My priorities.


1 The dresses

I found my dress for the church ceremony in a boutique in London, it was a strapless dress with a full satin skirt by Enzoani. My dream dress retailed at £2024, although the dress was within my budget, I always shop around for a better deal. So I contacted the designer to find out their stockists. I called all the shops to compare the prices and found my dress £250 cheaper in a shop 1 hour away from London.

As per french law and tradition, we had a civil ceremony at a registry office in Paris, followed by a small cocktail reception at the registry hall.  My first dress was a short satin wedding dress with a big bow at the back that made a gorgeous train by Tara Jarmon purchased at Galeries Lafayette in Paris.









2 The venue

We wanted to gather our families and friends for a week end in a country house near Paris. I made a list of our criterias and selected venues within 1 hour drive from Paris. I prepared a series of questions and called all the venues I had selected then agreed on a day to travel to France and visit the venues. I short listed 2 venues. We chose Athéna receptions for it modern style and because it was available to hire from Friday to Monday and it  came complete with a professional kitchen, accomodation and a honeymoon suite.

The reception room, the bar area.

The honeymoon cottage included a living room downstairs and a bedroom upstairs.

3 The decoration

My wedding theme was gold and diamond.
I fell in love with this decor I had found online, I used it as my inspiration.
I bought my vases at Sara Richards and purchased the feathers and floralytes from America at Koyal Wholesale, luckily one of my cousin is a stewardess for an airline company and was able to transport my goods. I spare you the details on my hours spent online looking for the best options. My mother bought the fabric for the sashes and we hired the chairs covers. I didn't know about the ghost chairs back then...

The bridesmaids dresses were gold mermaids dresses to match the ushers ties.

I could not stop smiling on my wedding day. And the only thing I would change is: hire a wedding planner. Although my planning was excellent, on the wedding day I could only have one role: The bride. Although I relied on my mum and sister to run the day it got a bit too overwhelming for them.
I was very disappointed by my photographer, I wish I knew how important a good photographer is for weddings pictures.

Overall I enjoyed my day, and it was as I had imagined, laughter, emotions, love.

From runway to wedding decor !

Fashion is not something that exist in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. "Coco Chanel"

Today I thought about the role that fashion plays into my life and I realized that fashion is everywhere and unconsciously dictate my whole lifestyle.

We should all keep an eye on the runway when designers unveil the next seasons trends we should stop and observe as it will probably determine the trend in weddings too. So if you want to stay ahead of the crowd, follow fashion week. From the 40 and 60's style to Victorian era, designers have travel back in time and revisited the hottest trends for our delight.

Here are a selection of my favorites trends off the runway this season.

Color chic

I am glad designers are sticking to colors because they are so refreshing. Adieu the boring neutral tone, and boring black and brown, put some color into your life.

I absolutely like the turquoise Burberry coat, why not use it as your inspiration for your wedding. Turquoise, black and white. A very nice winter wedding.

 The mix and match trend.

The mixing and matching of elements throughout your wedding decor.
Gone are the days where everything had to match, now you can mix colors, shapes, materials but careful there is a way to do it to stay in style.

A french wedding shoot to remember.

I am working on a very fascinating shoot which took me to Paris. I have always had a very weird relationship with this city. On one hand I absolutely heart the architecture, the fashion and the cuisine and on the other hand I find the parisians difficult to handle at time.

From the moment I stepped out of the eurostar, I've been running to make the most of the little time I have in Paris. I had a few errands to run in preparation of the shoot.


My first stop was at Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre to collect the dress, a famous Vera Wang wedding dress. A strapless drop waist ballgown with Lyon and Chantilly lace and layered tulle skirt. It is a custom-designed bridal gown worn by Kate Hudson in the movie Bride Wars.

Rue rivoli in Paris is very touristic, rushing through the shoppers I made it to the bridal boutique. A fashionable stop if you are ever in Paris in search of The Dress.  Metal flaque located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris hold an impressive collection of designers from around the globe: Oscar De La Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang etc... and accessories fit for a princess. The decor is elegant and the staff super friendly. I browsed through their collection with excitement and a smile stuck on my lips.

And the icing on the cake was meeting the model for the shoot Melissa, an american bride to be living in Paris and author of a successful blog. She was as I had imagined her, as beautiful on the outside as on the inside. And the dress on her; I have to say looked stunning. Once satisfied with my first appointment of the day I moved on to accessories shopping in the city.

Riding the "metro" requires some skills: Be prepared to be push into the train, step on and mind your belongings. I left the beautiful musée du Louvre for a less glamourous destination "Barbés" I would not recommend visiting Barbés when you are in Paris, there is nothing to see there and the shops sell the cheapest quality you will ever find. However when looking for cheap wedding accessories this is a must stop for brides on the budget. Some accessories like parasols, favors... which I needed for the shoot can be found there.



After a mere 20 minutes in Barbés, I left with my pretty items and headed off to a nicer part of town the 6th arrondissement of Paris to Synie's cupcakes. As I push the doors to Synie's boutique I instantly loved it. The pink, purple, black mix of colours instantly seduced me. Then my eyes landed on the counter display of cupcakes in many colours and flavours. The shop has a girlie feel and seems ideal for bridal parties, baby showers.... or a simple get together girls afternoon. They serve a variety of cupcakes and they simply melt in your mouth. Synie kindly made some cupcakes inspired by Marie Antoinette.

Now I have to tell you about Frédérique, my favourite stylist ever, she is very passionate about decorations, and it shows in her work. She made the bride's bouquet for the shoot and the invitation to name a few. Take a look at her website for wedding inspiration, The wedding tea room

None of this would have been possible without a castle: enters Le château de Dangu a massive french castle located near Cergy Pontoise. Ideal for grand weddings.



Overall my first french photo shoot was a good experience and I cannot wait to see the pictures from the photographer Emilie

I've met talented professionals, truly kind and passionate about what they do. They've all took the time and have put on so much effort and money to make this shoot a success. A big thank you to an amazing team.

In this picture: Left: Melissa, middle: Sonia, right: Emilie, top left: Fred, top right: Laeticia

Wedding planning tips in a box !

image credit of mariage.fr

For most people that are getting married for the first time, planning a wedding can be a time-consuming, overwhelming task. Planning for a typical wedding includes finding a reception location, meeting with all the different wedding suppliers including florists, disc jockeys, photographers, and caterers, picking out attire, invitations, etc. Couples in the UK are slowly realizing that hiring a wedding planner is not only for the rich and famous. People are waiting longer to marry and have busy careers and families taking up their time, so it could be a wise investment when the ‘average wedding’ takes an estimated 250 hours of organisation. 

So how do you do it when you simply can't afford a wedding planner ? Today I share with you some life saving skills to a successful planning.

Organisation 

1 - Have a written plan, which you will refer to as you progress

2 - Write down all your ideas. For your event to be coherent it is vital to keep an organised folder with your ideas and findings. 

3 - When choosing your menu, entertainment ... think about your guest. Fair enough it's your wedding but you want your guest to have a good time and enjoy themselves on your day.

4 - Plan well, when booking a venue think about facilities: (i.e parking - disable access...)

5- Make a timeline of your wedding day. And do yourself a favor and sign up for  On the day management to make sure that all you have worked so hard for gets delivered.

Styling

1- If you are on a tight budget, mix real flowers with artificial flowers.

2 - Use layers to fill space

3 - Create height on & above the tables.

4 - Use vibrant and metallic colors (bright yellow is very trendy in 2011)

5 - Be you and choose details that will personalize your decor. And it will get your guest talking.

Budget

1 - Set up a budget management spreadsheet. For your budget to be as accurate as possible you need to figure out the cost of all services and products require for your wedding. This is where a lot of couples go above budget deciding on a total spend without knowing what a wedding cost. Did you know that SGA Events offers a budget management service.

2 - Avoid impulse buy. You'll see a lot of things that you like but never buy in a hurry, assess whether you really need it and if it's on your list. 

3 - Analyse, research and compare to save you valuable cash...

4 - Spread the cost. It is no wonder the average length of an engagement is 18 months.

5 - To cut back on cost, limit your guest list to people that truly matter to you. 

I hope you will find it useful, for the latest news and tips on planning a flawless event register to our newsletter here

Break down the formalities

Good design happens when it feels and looks good to you. (Norma Lehmeier Hartie) 

The secret to a unique wedding is You, the detail you'll bring to the design will make it your own.
Also don't be scared to innovate, to try something new, do what works best for You.

Easy ways to personalise your event:

Mix and match colours, fabrics and textures


Combine differents flowers, colours, textures or linens:
Your bridesmaids bouquets and dresses don't have to match.
Your chairs can be different colours or style as long as it makes sense.
Try to combine different elements. Don't hesitate to mix traditions with trends, it adds energy and conversation at the tables.

mix and match china. Image credit: Intimate weddings

mix bouquet. 

mix &match bridemaids dresses. Image credit Inspire by this.

Remenber to use colours, dare bold and vibrant colours to show your personality.

Decor trend by Jackie Ooh events. Image credit Jackie ooh Events

Use different textures, like a loose fabric for your dress or table cloth.

Loose table cloth by Mindy  Weiss

The Plaza Athéné: The Ultimate wedding destination !

On one of my many trip to the city of love, I visited the Plaza Athénée a must stop destination when in Paris and a very romantic and luxury hotel to host your event.

Treat yourself to top cuisine by award winner chef Alain Ducasse

La Cour Jardin at the Plaza Athénée

Enjoy designer pampering with the Dior spa at the Plaza Athénée

Everything at the plaza Athénée makes you feel calm, relax and very very spoiled. The beauty and luxury of this hotel is beyond expectations. The location on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne is ideal for shopping, sightseeing etc... From your room you can see the Eiffel Tower and at night the view is simply breathtaking.

Step into complete luxury at the Plaza Athénée

Embrace the city from the best view in Paris

Proposed to your love one in the opulent setting of the Plaza Athénée

Get married in the city of love !

Location, can make an event stand out from the crowd.

Wedding checklist by SGA Events

Our Venue Stylist sweet angel decor

We are delighted to share with you our venue stylist sweet angel decor from one of our summer wedding.

Our talented stylist Frédérique is a french wedding decorator. She loves wedding and she has a real eye for detail. If you too want to find out how we could help you draw a magical wedding decor visit www.sgaevents.com and request a free consultation for our design and decor package. Be inspired !

A lavish crystal affair !

Diamond are a girl best friends. An elegant wedding in white, beige and diamond. Be inspired !

 Images credit: Jean Paul Savet floral design - Dress by Rosa Clara - shoes by Celine - Chandelier from The Goring Hotel

An inspiration from the motherland !

Are you embracing the latest african inspired trend? African prints and style have been revisited by fashion designers to bring us a fresh and creative approach. But how can you incorporate these style into your wedding?

Nature's colours are all represented in african prints. From the blue of the sky and the sea to the deep red of the ground.

A mix of all those mother nature colours will give you an autumn feel. Here is a little inspiration, I used Iman as my muse on this board.

Image credits: to Africa tourist website -  Wedding nouveau - Iman home decor

Modern romance, a pink inspiration !

Wedding ideas: soft pink, fushia and white .

Images credit of Bella Bride and Hostess with the mostess

Hello! Can I have a fairy tale wedding with £5,000 ! Part I

With the recession and the unemployment rate growing every year a lot of couples see their dream wedding fade away. How can you have your fairy tale wedding when the cash is limited ? A very dear friend of mine, Amy, called me a while ago with a great new: she is engaged ! However they can't set the date as they can't figure out where the funds will come from. So I advised her to talk to her fiancé and find out how much funds they have available. So turns out with their savings and current income they can only set aside £ 5,000 for their wedding and they want something classy and romantic.

So she asked me: Can I have a nice wedding for £5,000?
"Bearing in mind that I want an outside wedding reception, preferably an end of  summer wedding with vivid colours in a  natural setting"

Therefore I've put together a proposal which I liked to share with you.

Proposal for a minimal, romantic wedding. 

Budget: £5,000

First step: determine the number of guests. (one of the best ways to keep the cost down is to keep the guest list short). Stick to close friends and family, people to whom your union will mean something. A maximun of 30 guests.

Secondly, Decide on a theme, in this case: An intimate garden reception.

Then look for venues. Amy expressed her wish for an end of  summer wedding, she wants vivid colours in a  natural setting. You may want to skip big city hotels, historical mansions etc... Compile a list of friends & family members who own a garden and contact them. If that's not an option, research Bed & breakfast and small hotels in the countryside. These types of property usually come with an outside space.

This is where you'll need to be resourceful, although the hire fees of a venue can be reasonable, beware of the catering cost. In this day and age everyone has access to social media, use it ! Share your situation with your friends and family and do so via social media, you have to think if you post a comment on one friend page it will be viewed by his contacts too. And someone outhere may hold a solution to your problem.
In this case Amy and Kindsley need a big enough garden to welcome up to 30 guests. It could be a relative garden's or anyone else willing to share their dream.

To win over potential garden owners,
-Offer public liability insurance to cover eventual damages to the property,
- Make a floor plan to show your project.
- Draw a day plan covering every details that will take place at the property
- Offer a nominal fee.
All of the above will reassure potential garden owners and help them trust you.
I've found this venue in Berkshire they do not offer weddings on their website but turns out they would be prepare to hold a wedding reception, they have an inside room big enough for reception and the back garden is beautiful. Also they own a marquee, which could be use too. They can cater for the meal and there is accommodation on site. We will come back to the catering options in part II.

Once you've found your garden, it's time to set up a date.

Part I is done, the venue is booked, the date is set, now time to search "The dress" and look at catering options.

Part II is coming up soon, please sign up to my newsletter to be notified once part II is ready. xx
click here for the newsletter.

Greatest marriage proposal ever....

Hello all,

I am such a romantic, I cry every time I see true love. I wanted to share with you this amazing proposal.

Get your tissues ready. 

Watch the video

SGA Wedings, Ultimate wedding styling & planning agency

In anticipation of the launch of SGA Weddings, I planned and directed a photo shoot with the aim to demonstrate the style and level of dedication our clients will benefit from our services. But most importantly it was a chance to network and meet other suppliers in the industry. All together it was a fun sunny day spent doing  something I love. Our photo shoot consisted of a few table displays, in the park and in the blue room. And  some lovely shoot of the bride.

I carefully directed the shoot, I styled the bride and designed the table display. But none of this would have been possible if it wasn't for the venue manager, the photographers and model who believed in my project.
And I am thrilled that they've all expressed the wish to work with me on future projects.

The shoot took place at Worton Park near Oxford, thanks to Corin Hall , the venue manager.
Daniel James from 31 Down Photography was our photographer for the day
And the lovely Mary James was our bride.

Thank you to Daniel James who is a passionate photographer for his dedication and patience. Special thanks to Mary James for her kindness and professionalism, she is a joy to be around. And last but not least thanks to Corin Hall for trusting me to use their premises.

One DIY you should avoid !

I’ve been browsing weddings forums in search of a make up artist for my photo shoot.

And I was shocked at the number of brides to be who plan to do it themselves.

I just have to say : B2B if you are listening please do not make the mistake of DIY make up on your day.

Sure you wear make up every day and you know which products works with your skin. But we have to be realistic your daily make up cannot do for your big day.

A good make up artist will know how to highlight your features and understand your style.

Aim for perfection and remember that your wedding pictures will last you a life time. Do you really want to stare at an average make up everytime you open your wedding album.

I personaly do not use colors in my daily make up and I like to maintain a natural look. However I wanted to look the best I can for once in my life. And I did, when I saw my wedding pictures it took my breath away and everytime I open my album I can’t beleive how perfect I looked.

I understand that sometimes money just can’t strecth any further but do not cut back on the way You’ll look. Why not take more time to plan your wedding so you can spread the cost. Or maybe cut back on your guest list.

Hair and make up artist are a must for your time in the spotlight. Don't you agree? I would like to hear your thoughts on the subject?  I've also noticed that some brides didn't know where to go, maybe we should give them some directions. I would recommend Bride and Beauty in Reading, they cover a wide area and they are recognized by the wedding industry for their talent. http://www.bridesandbeauty.co.uk/

Is there such thing as too much flowers?

I am a big fan of sir Preston Bailey (yes I said sir) as for me he is the king of event design.
However I can't help wonder how much is too grand, I mean the americans certainly like to explore when it comes to creativity and produce dramatic looks which most of the times leave me baffled but sometimes I find it a little over the top.

Don't get me wrong I respect and admire Mr Bailey's work I think of it as pure art and it should be preserved in a museum to inspire many generations.

I don't know if my European culture is stopping me from fully embrace the art of over producing. You'll find it in the music videos, the movies... When do you cross the line from simple elegance to ostentatious design?

What do you think, can flowers be too much? Would you like to have giant centerpieces at your wedding?

Love
S

My passion for making you happy

Getting married and setting a business are quiet similar tasks, they both require a lot of research, planning and money.
Being able to visualize the end result and work backwards to achieve your goal.
Are you being efficient, organised ? Are you putting everything on paper, are you measuring every actions?
Have you left room for errors? Do you have a plan B?

You need a wedding plan that have been tested before, it's hard to obtain a good result the first time around.
However a bride only has one day and she can't afford to miss it.

Planning a wedding is a lot of work it takes practice, expertise and patience. It would almost take the fun out of the wedding.

It takes perfectionists to pull out the stress of organizing a wedding. Although there is no such thing as perfection, we can always strive for the best that is possible.

Do yourself a favor and hire a wedding planner, find one that you trust will deliver your dream day and sit back and enjoy being a bride.

Too many brides say I've enjoyed my wedding but....
It you are going to spend a lot of money you owe to be fully satisfied.

 wishing you a happy wedding!