How to set up an affordable Candy Buffet?

I hope you all celebrated the Halloween holiday in your homes with your children, despite of Hurricane Sandy. Halloween has past and now on to the holidays. Most weddings and even other celebrations are displaying the candy buffet trend. It can be used for your guests to scoop up their favorite candy to take home with them after your event. If you are having a fall themed or a Christmas Holiday themed candy buffet, you can purchase your favorite candy matching to your color theme palate.

Usually candy buffets will cost $50 to $200 approximately, such as purchasing the vases, and pounds of candy, and adding a DIY flair to your vases and jars. All you need to buy is 5 jars/vases of your favorite candy.

Here are couple of items to purchase for you candy buffet:
·http://www.koyalwholesale.com/pages-productinfo-product-17023/candy_buffet_jars_-_candy_jars_set_-_glass_apothecary_jars_set_of_3_999_vase.html

·http://www.dollartree.com/floral-decor/vases-bowls-containers/202c203c203/index.cat?index=0&viewall=1

·http://www.koyalwholesale.com/pages-productinfo-category-835_1274-product-16403/hot_and_new_for_20122012_candy_buffet_supplies5_oz_aluminum_candy_buffet_scoop_best_seller.html

·You can purchase jars/vases and scoopers at your local 99 cent store.


Here are tips when buying your favorite Candy/Chocolate:
·Buy themed candy/chocolates that are similar to your colors. You buy mixed candy a little bit of everything, a variety of it all, if it is a Christmas themed candy buffet table, you can have as Holiday M&Ms, Candy canes to put in a cylinder vase.

·Here are suggested candy/chocolate websites:

http://www.candydirect.com/christmas-pinwheel-starlight-mints-5-lbs
http://www.candydirect.com/candy-canes-peppermint-red-white-5-oz-36-count (you can order 4 packs of these if you like)
http://www.candydirect.com/candy-canes-mini-size-500-count (these are actually cheaper as well)
http://www.candydirect.com/hershey-s-kisses-original-silver-foil-5-pound-bag
http://www.candydirect.com/chocolate-foil-marbles-gold-and-silver-5-lb-bag
http://www.candydirect.com/fruit-slices-red-raspberries-unwrapped-boxed-5-lb-box
http://www.candydirect.com/gummi-red-raspberry-5-lbs (gummy bears )
http://www.ohnuts.com/buy.cfm/bulk-candy/kids-corner/pink-cotton-cherry (you can do cotton candy as well to give it that snow affect for your Christmas Holiday Candy Buffet=)

How to store candy?
·Cellophane Bags are the best affordable solution for candy, and you can add on a personalized label to your bag for a DIY décor flair.
http://www.boxandwrap.com/economybopp.html


How much should I order per guest?
We recommend about a third to a half pound per guest. (Or put another way, 1 pound for every 2-3 guests). But keep in mind that it's better to go a little over than go under. Think of the last guest in the line, who should still get a few options.

How many different items should I include?

5 items would make a nice a assortment; however, more items would certainly be lovely as well. Here is an estimate of how much candy you need.
Cups Ounces if Small, Dense Candy Ounces if Medium Candy Ounces if Large Candy
1/4 cup 2 1.5 1
1/3 cup 2.75 2.5 2
1/2 cup 4 3.5 2.5
2/3 cup 5.5 4.5 3
3/4 cup 6 5 4
1 cup 8 6 4.5

How should I store chocolates and candy?
Chocolates and candy can generally can be stored up to 6 months in a cool dry place. Please refer to the details for each candy and treat on our web site for the exact storage information. We recommend storing your chocolate in areas that are between 59-63 degrees Fahrenheit (15-17 degrees Celsius) and with a relative humidity of less than 50%. "Blooming" can occur if chocolate is refrigerated.

Enjoy your sweets!

Secret ceremony/reception location nestled in Long Island, NY

Are you looking for an affordable secret gem location for your intimate engagement party, wedding rehearsal, wedding ceremony, or wedding reception? Well a month ago, we had the opportunity to coordinate a wedding at the Bailey Arboretum in Lattingtown, Long Island for beautiful Bride & Groom. The ceremony was enchanting and peaceful because of its nature ambiance. Bailey Arbouteum has 40 acres of woods, ponds and gardens nestled on Long Island’s North Shore-it’s away from the busy catering venues and highways.
Bailey Arboretum is known for their well-marked woodland trails, public programs and special events for children, The Children’s Habitat: a place where children can explore, climb, build, create, make music and enjoy the outdoors. They are opened every day, year-round, and admission is Free-donations are welcome to sustain this beautiful location.
This site is affordable for wedding ceremonies, intimate reception, engagement parties for up to 80 guests.
You can have your wedding ceremony outdoors provided with white folding chairs, and if it rains the ceremony can be indoors in the Sun Room. The staff of Bailey Arboretum is friendly, helpful and willing to accommodate your needs. Please contact Mike Maron- Resident & Manager at 516-571-8020 or email him at baileyarb@optonline.net for more information.

Photography: Felipe Osorio Photography
Wedding Coordination: My Bridal Budget, LLC
Ceremony Venue: Bailey Arboretum
www.baileyarboretum.org/

Fall themed signature drinks

It’s officially the Fall season! The weather is feeling cool and crisp!
If you are planning a fall themed signature drink for your wedding, bridal shower or engagement party, here is a list of autumn themed drinks that may be a perfect fit!

Fall Whiskey Drink
http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/270142/fall-signature-cocktail-recipe?czone=inspiration/real-weddings/weddings-latest&backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/annie-and-oliver#slide_16

Pumpkin Martini
http://www.cocktailtimes.com/vodka/greygoose_pumpkin.shtml

Pumpkin Chai Martini
http://aroundmainline.com/food/fun-fall-cocktails-around-the-main-line.html

Tuscan Pear Drink
http://www.cocktailsdrinkrecipes.com/cocktail-recipes/tuscan-pear-cocktail.html

Ginger Candy Appletini
http://aroundmainline.com/food/fun-fall-cocktails-around-the-main-line.html

Urban Goddess Night-Embracing your inner Goddess

Tomorrow is Fashion Night in NYC, and as well Urban Goddess night with Amanda Young. Take a break from your wedding plans, and get to know your true authentic self before you say “I do” tomorrow night at Urban Goddess Night.

Even though you've done a lot of "work on yourself", are you still operating beneath your true potential?

Have you ever lowered your standards for what you REALLY wanted in a relationship because you figured it was better than being alone?
OR
Do you ask for less than you know you truly deserve in your career, because you undervalue yourself?
OR
Do you feel stuck ? Such as taking a leap of faith in what you want in your life-marriage, love, and more?

I get it- I've. Been. There. Oh yes.
And I also now know what it's like to feel I am living in total harmony with my souls highest potential.

Are you ready to make a breakthrough and finally start accessing your deepest potential?

Join Urban Goddess for an evening that could change the course of your whole life!

In this fun and interactive workshop, we will explore where you are selling yourself short, and learn concrete steps to access your true feminine power in order to live up to your potential in all areas of your life. You will be introduced to the Urban Goddess transformation curriculum and the 3 primary powers of womanhood. Plus we'll enjoy chocolate and discover how pleasure and feminine transformation go hand in hand!

Cost: $15 Advance Registration
$20 at Door
To Register: http://urbangoddessevening.eventbrite.com/
Location- Meta Center
214 West, 29th Street, 10001 New York, NY
Date/Time- Thursday, September 6, 2012 7pm to 9pm


urbangoddessretreats.com urbangoddesschocolate.com

When you join this group, you´re in for a life-changing experience. From the first time I went to the meeting to this day, my life has changed so much, in wonderful, even magical ways. I can´t say enough how much I enjoy being part of the Urban Goddess circle and how happy I am to have found the women I met there. The ladies are amazing and Amanda guides us with much grace and wisdom. I definetly recommend this group." - Simone

Amanda has been changing lives, and challenging the status quo with her company Urban Goddess for over 6 years. She started out as a nutritionist who couldn’t accept simply revolutionizing her clients diets, but got excited by revolutionizing their whole lives. Clients not only lost weight, and felt healthier but they got the “Goddess Glow” by transforming their relationships, their careers, and their whole life vision.


In 2006 she led her first Urban Goddess Workshop in New York where she recognized her true life passion; to bring women together and help liberate their inner Goddess. Amanda has led Goddess workshops and retreats which have explored ancient Goddess archetypes and mythologies and how they apply to the modern woman in locations such as Costa Rica, Big Sur, Malibu, and her home town of New York City.


In 2007 Amanda created Urban Goddess Chocolate, as a companion product to her vision for women. The chocolate represents Amanda’s strong belief that transformation can be fun, sensual and PLEASURABLE. Plus it's organic, vegan, gluten free, and raw!

Food Trucks for Weddings!

Are you lovely couples enjoying your summer? Almost the summer is coming to an end. My Bridal Budget had the opportunity to coordinate a fun and unique wedding at the Queens County Farm located in Little Neck, NY.

Instead, of a formal catered dinner at a reception, the laid back couple hired Food Trucks for their wedding reception. Yes! Food Trucks! The Food Trucks you see in the NYC streets, such as dessert and ethnic food trucks. Food Trucks have been a popular trend in NYC for several years, and now have entered into the wedding industry.

Korilla BBQ served Kimchee Chicken, Pork and Beef Tacos, FritesNMeats served Burgers and Veggie Burgers with French Fries, and for dessert-Andy Italian Ices served all flavored Italian Ices and Iced Coffee, including unique flavors such as Canolli ices, and lastly decadent Red Velvet Cupcakes from Brooklyn Cupcakes.

The guests had a blast and it felt like a BBQ but with a creative twists. Guests placed their orders at the trucks and picked up their dinners in a white “doggie bag”. Indeed, it was an informal affair and unforgettable way to celebrate the big day!

To plan your wedding with Food Trucks in a fun location -
Here are a few vendors and venue-
Korilla BBQ www.korillabbq.com
FritesNMeats www.fritesnmeats.com/
Andy’s Italian Ices www.andysitalianices.com/
Brooklyn Cupcakeshttp://urbano411.wix.com/brooklyncupcake
Queens County Farm www.queenscountyfarm.org

Garter Placement Twist

We all know about the Garter Toss/Garter Placement traditional game – right? After the Groom tosses the garter to the single men, a man catches the garter to place the garter on the Bouquet Winner’s thigh or leg- which is a single woman.

How about twisting this old tradition into a fun joke?

Blindfold the Garter Toss Winner, and have the Groom sit on the chair. The Groom will raise his pants up to his knee; take off his shoe and sock- so he mislead the winner that it is a woman. Spin the Blindfolded Garter toss winner in circles, and then lead him to the Groom. The Garter toss winner will get excited due to the mystery of who is this “woman”, as he puts the garter on the Groom’s leg- take off his blindfold- SURPRISE! He will see that it’s the Groom! It’s a funny joke that family and friends will always cherish this humorous moment!

YOOOOOBHANGRA!!!!!!!!!! BOLLYWOOD meets Yoga Asana

Get your BHANGRA ON! with your bridal party, friends, and family on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Bamboomoves Studio in Forest Hills, Queens- NY www.bamboomovesfh.com. Perfect way to treat yourself and connect with your body in this exotic dance lesson.

Bhangra the latest hottest trend and oldest tradition in Indian dancing that is being performed in joyous occasions such as weddings. Bhangra is a lively form of music and dance that originated in the Punjab region in Southeast Asia. While Bhangra began as a part of harvest festival celebrations, it eventually became a part of such diverse occasions as weddings and New Year celebrations. Moreover, during the last thirty years, Bhangra has enjoyed a surge in popularity worldwide, both in traditional form and as a fusion with genres such as hip-hop, house, and reggae.
Combining two of India's oldest traditions, join us for yoga asana to BOLLYWOOD hits and BHANGRA dancing that will be taught by Yogini Instructor Neelu Gulri from Sattvic Living

What to wear: Comfortable yoga attire

What we provide: BOLLYWOOD led asana class & BHANGRA instruction

Background on Bhangra: Around the 14th or 15th Century, Punjabi wheat farmers danced and sang songs about village life to help pass the time while working in the fields. With time, these became part of harvest celebrations at Bhaisakhi (April 13) festivals, as the sight of their crops growing invigorated the farmers. From here the dance quickly moved through all divisions of class and education, eventually becoming a part of weddings, New Year parties, and other important occasions.

Date: Saturday, July 28, 2012
Time: 4pm-6pm
Cost: $35
See you on the mat and the dance floor!
Namaste
Fouzia!