Monday, September 21, 2009

Review: The MSP Mag Wedding Party on Sunday, September 20

I attended the Wedding Party yesterday-- stag-- at the Metropolitan ballroom. It was interesting to go alone because I got to see how vendors treated someone who went alone rather than bringing their entire wedding party. Sometimes I was ignored, sometimes I got very personalized attention. Overall, I think it was good to go alone. I didn't have to worry about anyone else getting too tired, bored, hungry, or put off.

It was a decent get together with a variety of vendors that you could meet with and get a feel for their personalities, find out pricing, time frames, and other information.

Surdyk's was there and provided champagne and cheese samples. I'm not a champagne fan as it is- but I sampled a really fabulous german blue cheese that was very creamy and not too tart.

with three different flavors. Buttercream is a personal favorite of mine that I have used for events in the past and plan to use again in the future (i.e. my own wedding).

Cocoa and Fig, a newer cake and dessert bar vendor, handed out mini cupcakes. The cake left something to be desired. I over heard one woman comment "It's not any better than box cake..." This was overheard before I sampled the Cocoa and Fig offerings for myself. I don't know what box cake she's been eating, but this was worse than my box cake experiences. I will say, Cocoa and Fig does nice dessert buffet table designs/ catering. We were only able to sample the one chocolate cake item they brought. The dessert buffet was just for show. Overall, I was less than impressed.

Anderson Photography was very warm and welcoming. I didn't feel like I was being SOLD. They are a husband and wife team and seem like good people. They even provided a cd of examples of their work that I plan on reviewing.


There was a fabulous caterer at the party-- and they're actually called "Fabulous Catering". One of my favorites at the party was:

Humboldt Fog Fondant Cheese Canapes with Honeycrisp Apples
With Ames Farm Honey & Lavendar Flowers

Delicious!

I was less amused by their other sample that I was able to try:

A pulled pork option that I did not find under the "Current Menu offerings" section and...

Roasted Butternut Squash and Amish Bleu Cheese
in Filo with Sage and Maple - Glazed Walnuts


The major benefits of going to The MSP Wedding Party are:
- some vendors offer discounts, coupons, or lock in pricing when you meet them at shows like this one
- meeting with a number of vendors at one time- it's a time saver/ one-stop-shop that can really help you find the right vendor for, say, photography or flowers- as an example.
- opportunities to win prizes

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Where to Find: Oscar de la Renta


Oscar de la Renta is in the upper eschelon of wedding gown designers.

Oscar de la Renta's bridal designs are available, in Minnesota, exclusively at A'telier Couture Bridal Boutique in St Paul.

Nordstrom carries non-bridal items designed by Oscar de la Renta.

Where to Find: Niki Livas


Niki Livas designs are great for a destination or informal ceremony. Classic with a hint of trendy dresses with little to no train are typical of the The White Collection. Short length dresses are also available.

Two boutiques in Minnesota carry Niki's designs:
Satin and Silk in Byron
Bridal Boutique in Winona

Department stores also carry Niki dresses:
Von Maur
Macy's
Carsons
Bonton
Deb

Niki also designs evening and prom dresses- so if you are specifically looking for the White Collection I advice calling ahead prior to visiting a store!

Where to Find: Monique Lhullier


Monique Lhullier opened her first salon in the mid 1990s and has since become one of the most popular high end designers.

Monique Lhullier has a signature salon in Edina at the 50th and France shopping district.

Where to Find: Melissa Sweet


Melissa Sweet is classic and a little whimsical.

Priscilla of Boston is a signature salon for Melissa Sweet designs.

Other locations include:
Flutter Boutique in Minneapolis
Raffine in Stillwater

Where to Find: Lela Rose


Lela Rose is based in New York.

The premier retailer for Lela Rose in Minnesota is in St Paul:
L'Atelier Couture Bridal Boutique

Where to Find: Lazaro


Lazaro is a division of the Jim Hjelm company.

There is a trunk shows coming up for Fall 2009:
November 20 at Macy's- Minneapolis.

There are two boutiques in Minnesota that carry Lazaro:
Macy's in downtown Minneapolis
Raffine in Stillwater