Here are some ways that Instagram changed the wedding planning process as well as the wedding planning business. We’ll also include a recent collage of Instagrabs from some of the wedding professional that we follow.

Keeping up with the Joneses

Well, I guess it depends how you look at it. Yes, it can put more pressure on a couple to step up their wedding planning efforts. And yes, that can be unhealthy. But, you could also say, it gives couples access to more choices and wedding ideas. (Perhaps, too many choices?) It probably does all of those things. Without a doubt, for many many brides to be, scrolling through Instagram is now part of the wedding planning process. Double tap this, double tap that and then review the photos you liked in your account profile. You can tag your friends and get their input right on the spot too.

{Florists, Caterers, Party planners, Party Rentals.}

Included in the collage:

Hostess International – @hostessinternational
Michicas Celebrations – @michicascelebrations
Renee S. Erreich Events – @rsevents
Chani Greenbaum Events – @chanigreenbaumevents
Rentastic Party – @rentasticparty
Kosher Party Planner – @kosherpartyplanner
New York Kosher Caterers – @nykcaterers
Papaya Events – @papayaevents
Shevy Weiss Party Planner – @shevy_weiss_party_planner
Frumi Metz Event Planning – @fmeventplanning
Shaikes Catering – @shaikescatering
Birch Event Design – @bircheventdesign
Devorah Deutch – @devorah.deutch
Mimulo – @mimulo
Creations Catering by Nosson Schultz – @creationscatering

More Exposure for Small Business

Instagram is open for all. It doesn’t (yet) have a firewall that keeps commercial pages away from non-commercial ones like Facebook does. This makes it an incredible tool for businesses to reach their customers. It also levels the playing field for big and small businesses. Small businesses, like make-up professionals or starting out photographers, can quickly grow their fan base if they have some Instagram prowess. Or if they can at least plaster each post with a bunch of #hashtags. Of course, this also means that wedding professionals are also their own PR people, and that can be quite overwhelming at times.

{Make Up}

Included in the collage:

Miriam Follman – @makeupbymiriamfollman
Periva Charach – @makeupbypriva
Racheli Shagalov – @racheli_makeup
Gitty Berger – @gittyberger
Abigail Kolb – @missabby_mua
Chava Farkash – @makeupbychava
Ahuva (Sanik) Itzkowitz – @ahuvasanik
Chana Hertz –@chanahertzmakeup
Batya Hess – @makeupbybatya
Miriam Sokol – @miriamsokolmakeup

Business Website, That’s So Yesterday

There’s so much that a small business can do via social media these days, that many wedding professionals have no permanent website at all. Who needs the headache and the costs of constant website maintenance, web security worries, etc, when one can have up to date information, real client engagement, instant exposure, and all absolutely free. Everything a wedding business needs is right in the palm of their hand.

{Photographers}

Included in the collage:

Koby Yedgar – @koby_yedgar_photography
Mendel Meyers (Monsey) – @mendelmeyersmonsey
Nir’s Expressions – @nirs_expressions
Simchavision – @simchavision
Benjamin Kohen – @benjaminkohenphotography
CJ Studios – @cjstudiosphotos
Andre Reichmann – @andrereichmannphotography
Chana Blumes – @chanablumesphoto
Ulrich Studios – @ulrichstudios
Eli Robinson – @elirobinsonphotography
Laibel & Chana Schwartz – @laibelschwartzphotography
Jerry Meyer – @jerrymeyerstudio
Eliau Piha – @eliaupihastudio

Remember OnlySimchas?

Once it was all the rage. A couple would post their wedding picture on OnlySimchas, and let the Mazel Tovs roll in. It was a great way to share a simchah and the only way for out of town relatives and friends to be a part of it. (In a way it was ahead of its time.) Social media changed all that. Wedding pictures hit Facebook, Instagram, well, instantly, and everyone near and far can shower their emoji filled Mazel Tovs to the happy couple. Now, OnlySimchas is a Jewish news website. However, it’s reclaiming its old role via Instagram (@onlysimchas), together with a newer kid on the simcha sharing block – @SimchaSpot.

{OnlySimchas.com from 8 years ago.}

Can you add something to this list?

The new store, located on avenue J off Nostrand Avenue, is beautifully designed with a fashionable boutique store feel. With a recent relocation of Bencraft Hatters to “Flatbush”, in addition to The Hat Box and Hats Plus which have been around for years, there are more options than ever for your hat shopping convenience.

Contact Info: Borsalino Brand Store

Take a look:

Milano Collection is having their annual Mid Summer Sale.

Can you believe it? It’s Mid Summer already!

Brooklyn: Sunday, July 21 and Monday, July 22 – 10 AM – 6 PM
Los Angeles: Sunday, July 21 – 10 AM – 7 PM
Monsey: Tuesday, July 23 – 3 PM – 9 PM

And all day online: Sunday, July 21 and Monday, July 22.

The Wedding Treasury is a new illuminated coffee-table style book by Rabbi and artist Yonah Weinreb. The 240 page book offers a mix of inspirational essays, relevant customs and laws with his unmistakable style of illustrations. Originally priced at $60, now available at Artscroll.com for $47.99.

The book was obviously created for gift giving. The embossed cover and its large size give it that “keep-sake” look. It would make a good engagement gift but would not be of much use as a wedding gift, since it describes the customs and traditions of the wedding ceremony.

If you’re a fan of Anthropologie, then you’ll be excited about the Gown sale going on at BHLDN right now. Many accessories are on sale too.

Cassini’s Muse Gown Reg: $1,600 now $800

1. Benjamin Adams Renee at Bellissima Bridal
2. Touch Ups by Benjamin Walk – Shirley at Shoes.com
3. Keeden by Kate Spade at Bellissima Bridal
4. Hey Lady – Daddy’s Girl – Shopheylady.com
5. Gigiritz by Stuart Weitzman at Zappos
6. Flirt by Coloriffics at Zappos
7. Fifi Vanessa at Bellissima Bridal
8. Hey Lady Princess Buttercup at Shopheylady.com
9. Touch Ups by Benjamin Walk – Breeze at Shoes.com
10. Dyables – Isla at Zappos
11. Naughty by Stuart Weitzman at Zappos
12. Loeffler Randall Zuri Rosette
13. Evelixa by Nina at Zappos
14. Electra by Nina at Zappos
15. J.Crew – Valentina satin d’Orsay.

{The author of this blog post is in no way attesting the tznius factor of the shoes depicted above.}

Kwiat, one of the most popular brands in engagement rings, has been run by the Kwiat family of jewelers and diamantaires for over 100 years. Now in its fourth generation, Kwiat continues to dazzle brides everywhere with their fashionable jewelry pieces and engagement rings. The images above are from their Vintage collection, and since we adore anything vintage we just had to share a few of these rings for your viewing pleasure. The detail and the craftsmanship of these rings evokes old world quality and European charm.

Outside of their vintage jewelry styles, Kwiat sticks to timeless and classic designs. Their engagement rings’ settings are never overdone, and the quality of the stones is always superb. To see more of the collections online, see Kwiat.com, or visit their Madison Avenue flagship boutique in person – 725 Madison Avenue.

Kitchen

Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer -$49 at Walmart – Online Only

Tramontina 6.5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven – $33 at Walmart; Online Only

Crock-Pot Slow Cooker – 5.5 qt – $15 at Target

Basic Essentials 25 pc. Cutlery Set – $19.99 plus 10% off at checkout; Sears

Cuisinart Contour 13-Piece Stainless-Steel Cookware Set- Orig. $540 Sale: $170 at Chef’s Catalog

Bed & Bath

Pleated Square White Down Comforter – $39.00 – $59.00 at Walmart; Online Only

10 Piece Towel Set – $20 – 11 colors avail. at Walmart;

Cachet Reversible Comforter, Bed Skirt, and Shams Set – $62.99 at Designer Linens Outlet

We collected some Black Friday sale items and coupon codes that might be of interest to you. (Cyber Monday deals still to come.) The images below are clickable. Please note that the discounted prices may only be visible on some websites only after the onset of the website’s Black Friday Sale.

Kitchen Gear
{Free shipping is available almost everywhere during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, lookout for free shipping announcements on the website.}

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Tramontina 8-Pc Stainless Steel TriPly-Clad Cookware

Martha Stewart Collection Frying Pans, 9" & 11", Set of 2

Found a 6 Qt Kitchen Aid on Amazon for Only $249.99 after $50 rebate

Cuisineart 7 cup food processor - Reg: $149| Special: $69.99

Le Creuset Two in One

Martha Stewart Collection casserole - 2.75 Qt

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Sur La Table® 10-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set On sale: $199.96

Whirlpool washer + electric dryer pair only $799.99 at Sears

Rival Slow Cooker $19.99 at Sears

Dinnerware

Gibson 20 pc Hollister PLatinum - Reg: $50 | Special: $24.99

Royal White 12" set of 6 (see other items in collection)

3 Qt Porcelain Tureen On sale: $31.96 at Sur La Table

. . . . . . . . .

Round Platter - On sale: $6:36 at Sur La Table

Ballet Jewels 5-Piece Place Setting $99

Vera Wang Fleurs 5-Piece Place Setting $99.99 at Wedgwood

Giftables

Pearl Bead And Fireball Bracelet $29.90

Luigi 5-pc. Wine Gift Set $29.99 at Target

Coupon Codes

3 Days Only: Take additional 25% off Sale/Clearance at Shoes.com with YAMS. Valid 11/24 – 11/26/10

• Gowns starting at $799
• Veils & Headpieces starting at $99
• Bridal Shoes starting at $19.99

Save up to 70% on select sample bridal gowns, headpieces, veils and accessories from top bridal designers at Kleinfeld’s Anniversary Blow Out Sale!
Offering the BIGGEST discount ever! Take an additional 25% off already marked down prices. No regular priced mechandise will be shown. Sample gowns only! Cash/Credit Card and Carry!

Last year over 300 brides attended the Kleinfeld sale event.

Here are some variations in Green:

Cuisinart: 7-Speed Hand Mixer $49.99 at Sur La Table

Cuisinart SmartStick Immersion Blender: $29.99 at Sur La Table

from Sur La Table Mixing and Prep Bowl Sets: $29.95

Dots Shower Curtain at Target: $24.99

Matching Dots Bat Rug: $24.99

Apple 5th Gen. 16GB iPod nano: $166.99

BODUM Ibis Cordless Electric Water Kettle

Neema Porcelain Mug Set of 6

{This year Passover begins on the night of March 29th and ends on the night of April 6th. Standard check in for most of these hotels is on March 29th and check out is on April 7th. Shorter stays are also available April 1-7  i.e. from the first day of Chol Hamoed until the end of the holiday.}

Florida

Orlando

Waldorf Astoria – Grand Getaways / Catering by RAM Caterers; prices for the full stay start at $3, 399 per person. (516) 734-0840

Doubletree Resort – Elite Dimensions; prices for the full stay start at $2,295 per person. (718) 454-5778

Regal Sun Resort – Elite Dimensions; prices for the full stay start at $2,595 per person. (718) 454-5778

Miami Beach

Fontainebleau  – Lasko Tours; prices for the full stay start at $3, 999 per person.

Eden Roc Resort – Lasko Tours; prices for the full stay start at $3, 699 per person.

Miami Biltmore Holtel – Kosherica; prices for the full stay start at $$3,480 per person.

Marco Polo Beach Resort (Sunny Isles) – Shechter Carribean Kosher;  prices for the full stay start at $3,480 per person; 305-937-7209; NK National Kashrut.

Ft. Lauderdale

Hyatt Regency Bonaventure  – Lakso Tours; Prices start at $7,099 per room (includes 2 people, $849 for each additional occupant).

Boca Raton

Boca Raton Resort & Club – Leisure Time / Prestige Caterers; prices for the full stay start at $3,605 per person. (718) 528-0700; supervision: NK – National Kashrut

Coral Gables

Biltmore Hotel – Leisure Time / Prestige Caterers; prices for the full stay start at $3,480 per person. (718) 528-0700; ORB Glatt

Hollywood

Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa – Diplomat Passover Tours; prices for the full stay start at $3,399 per person. (888) 318 – 7477; ORB Glatt.

Arizona

Phoenix

Biltmore Resort & Spa – Leisure Time / catering by Stuart Morginstin of Danziger Kosher Catering; prices for the full stay start at $4,149 per person. (718) 528-0700; supervision by Phoenix Vaad HaKashruth

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa – Twersky / RAM Caterers; prices for the full stay start at $3,819 per person; (888) 757 – 2002

Nevada

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas – Twersky / Mark David Catering; prices for the full stay start at $3,819 per person; (888) 757 – 2002.

California

San Diego

Rancho Bernardo Inn – Kosher Travels Unlimited; prices for the full stay start at $2,900 per person; 877-501-8440; Vaad Harabonim of San Diego

Maryland

Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort – Elite Dimensions / catering by Don Tkatch of Catering by Weiss; prices for the full stay start at $1,695 per person. (718) 454-5778

New Jersey

Ocean Place Resort & Spa – Matza Fun Tours; prices for the full stay start at $2,699 per person; (215) 332-5360; supervision under Rabbi Zushe Blech.

New York

Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa (Ellenville, NY) – Elite Dimensions Catering by Weiss; (formerly Fallsview Resort & Spa); prices for the full stay start at $2,195 per person. (718) 454-5778

Rye Town Hilton (Westchester, NY) – Leisure Time and Twersky/ RAM Caterers; prices for the full stay start at $2,759 per person. (718) 528-0700

Connecticut

Heritage Resort Hotel & Spa – Mendy Vim’s Holidays; (718) 998-4477

Aruba

Westin Resort – Afikoman Tours /(888) 234-5662; supervision by KSA – Rabbi Lisbon62

Costa Rica

Ocotal Beach Resort – Kosher Expeditions; prices for the full stay start at $3,790 per person. (310) 237-0122.

Mexico

Cancun

Le Blanc Beach & Spa Resort – the Travel Center of Miami; catering by staff of RAM Caterers; prices for the full stay start at $4,350 per person; (305) 949-6222

Italy

Augustus Hotel (Forte Dei Marmi) – Leisure Time / Minkowitz Caterers of Milan; prices for the full stay start at €2,345 per person. (718) 528-0700; supervision by Rabbi G.M. Gorelick.

Diamonds are forever, but who’s keeping track of time?

The Chassan’s watch – a commonly given gift by the Kallah (a.k.a. her parents) to her future husband, a gift among many others that are exchanged throughout the engagement, that says, as much as a Tallis, you’re now a married man. ….and don’t be late!

There are so many styles and brands to choose from, it seems like there’s a watch style for every person. Square or round, steel, gold, or platinum, black or white, clunky or light, showy or low key …and so on. Many have a weekday watch and a shabbos watch. A shabbos watch is usually more dressy and decorative. (Not only to show honor to the shabbos, but because it is then considered an adornment, an element of a person’s outfit, not just an instrument that tells time, and thus wouldn’t be considered carrying.)

Certain styles and brands are more popular in different communities. There are the more ‘yeshivish’ options, by Geneve, available at The Chassan’s Place (at last search the prices were lower than other websites and even Overstock). Some Examples:

Euro Geneve - round face, V links: $2,700

Euro Geneve - Ridged links, rectangular face: $3,266

I am not certain that these watches are not loosing their popularity even within the yeshivish circles. I am personally not a big fan. (understatement)

Another Gold watch option that I personally prefer to those above is this Concord Delirium (too in your face and flashy for my taste, but still better than the Geneve; I do like the rose gold, though):

Concord Delirium - 18k rose gold

This Concord is now available at theWatchery.com (a Jewish owned website) for a decent price (for it): $5,495, enter coupon code EMCRD10 at checkout and it will be $4,945.50.

The next two I really like for their simplicity and vintage feel. Also from the Watchery.

Blancpain Villeret Chronograph - 18K White Gold / Blue Dial: $13,110

IWC Vintage Portofino - $10,900

To be continued…

P.S.
Are you a watch person? Let us know your favorites.

And a coffee maker to match: Kalorik Aztec CM-25282 Coffee Maker, Reg. $100.00 –  Sale $79.99

Kalorik Aztec CM-25282 Coffee Maker

Anyone who’s been around the kitchen for some time will tell you how important is a good knife set. This Anolon Bronze 15-Piece Cutlery Set features great design elements including a slope from the blade to the handle that doesn’t allow for grease to collect inside the ridge as with most knives in the store.

Anolon Bronze 15-Piece Cutlery Set Reg. $250.00 Sale $179.99

Or for a more colorful option there’s the Fiesta Cutlery, 11 Piece Set with Wood Block

Fiesta Cutlery, 11 Piece Set with Wood Block $165.00

These are just some very random picks from the tousands of items that are available at a discount at Macy’s, you might find other great finds that suit your needs and interests. Happy Shopping!

They’re also have a free shipping codeon home items. We’re not sure if it could be applied to the sale items.
Free Shipping on $125 Home purchase at macys.com! Enter promo code: BERRY at checkout. Valid 08/25/2009 through 08/26/2009 Perhaps with a little pressure they could be persuaded to accept it anyways. Good luck!

The engagement ring buying guide will give you clear and useful information about buying the perfect engagement ring for the woman you love.

How much should I spend?

The engagement ring may be the single most important gift you will ever give. Budget is the key. The generally established rule is that a man should spend roughly two months salary on the engagement ring. Most men spend more than they plan to. The chart below may help you.

We recommend that you do not commit yourself to a set dollar amount before you familiarize yourself with all the options.

Choose the Right Stone

The gemstone is the centerpiece of the ring and the first thing people notice. It will also account for the overall cost of the ring. To make the right choice, you should familiarize yourself with the 4 C’s of a diamond: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.

There are also various diamond shapes that you will be able to choose from.

Whether you want the largest diamond, the highest quality diamond, or a balance or both, make sure you have a good understanding of what you are buying so you could make the right decision.

Choose the Right Setting

Although the stone can account for most of the cost of the ring, the ring design or setting is what defines its look and displays the stone to its best advantage.

This article is courtesy of DiamondsonFifth.com