Party Post

Fun iLL Fortune Cookies for Bachelorettes

2012-01-28T00:11:00.000-08:00

Sharing with you the coolest new goody to be enjoyed by bachelorette parties and everyone, iLL Fortune Cookies. This is not your typical folded cookie with a bland saying inside that leaves you with a “that’s nice” kind of feeling. Oh no. These cookies have hilarious and outrageous messages that will shock, ignite laughter, and get you and your friends talking for days.

ILL Fortune Cookies make great bachelorette party gifts, to be given to each guest in the limo on the way out to the clubs or at the end of the night as their thank you goody. I also recommend our new BNO iLL Fortune Cookie game which is making a huge impact on the party scene. Party girls love getting a reaction and iLL Fortune Cookies are the perfect recipe.

To order visit http://www.illfortune.net/. For bulk party orders, contact parties@bridesnightout.com.

Bachelorette Party Veil or Tiara

2010-08-11T01:25:00.000-07:00

When a bride-to-be is putting her outfit together for her last night out on the town, it's so important that she has a veil or tiara that compliments her outfit.

Decide if it should be mild or wild -- which is really a matter of taste and making sure she's comfortable with the choice.

Mild selections could be a simple "BNO" veil and Wild choice may include novelty embellishments to a tiara or veil.

Choose something that's fun, will get her attention but won't make her feel uncomfortable. See great selections by visiting http://www.bachelorettepartyclub.com/.

Dressing Your Bride-to-be!

2010-08-09T23:02:00.001-07:00

On her last night out she should be decked out to the 7's. That's right! Seven is a lucky number so you need to make sure she's wearing at least 7 bachelorette party appropriate accessories to make and impact and ensure she has a lucky celebration...and trip down the aisle!

Here are the top "7" goodies for the Bride-to-be to wear on her last night out!

1. Bachelorette Party Veil or Tiara

2. Bachelorette Party Sash

3. T-shirt, tank or hoodie with a slogan like "Bride"

4. Flashing Button

5. Giant Ring

6. Tote Goody Bag with a slogan like "Bride's Night Out"

7. Fluffy Feather Boa

Other options: tattoos, name tag, and a wearable shot glass.

Our friends at BachelorettePartyClub.com have everything you need to create the party of your dreams.

They also have fabulous FREE party planning information, great prices, and affiliate program where you can make some extra cash.

Choosing the Right Style for Your Bachelorette Party

2010-06-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

Sure bachelorette parties are all about having fun and celebrating the bride’s last moments being single. But what does “fun” really mean? For one person it could be a spa day with the girls getting pampered and for someone else it’s doing a bar crawl meeting random strangers till 2am.

It’s so important to keep in mind your guest of honor’s wishes. And even if you feel you know her very well, you may be surprised to find out what her real vision is for her bachelorette event.

The best approach for determining the right style for your bachelorette party is doing research. Sit down with the bride-to-be well before the event and ask her lots of questions.

Survive Wedding Season's Second Annual Dress Your Bachelorette Contest!

2010-05-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

Bride's Night Out, Inc. is pleased to announce our participation in

Survive Wedding Season's Second Annual

Dress Your Bachelorette Contest!

http://www.surviveweddingseason.com/

Dress Your Bachelorette Party Pack Includes:

• Bride's Night Out Black Canvas Tote
• Bride's Night Out Black Logo Tee
• Bride's Night Out Bubbly
• Bachelorette Party Veil
• Hot Pink Bachelorette Boa
• Bride's Night Out Blinking Pin
• Bride's Night Out Mints

Total Prize Value = $125!

For a chance to win all you have to do is tell us about your Bachelorette party planning process. Are you using social networking, online sites or meeting in person for a planning day? How are you sending invitations? How are you figuring out a budget? Are you using miles or trading services? We want to know and want you to win!

FOr More Details and to Enter Visit:

http://surviveweddingseason.com/?page_id=1551

Hurry! Contest Ends May 26th!

Top 10 Things Brides-to-be Need To Do Before They Get Married

2010-05-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

You have the ring, you’ve got the date, and you’re so looking forward to the getting married. It’s so exciting being a bride-to-be and you should enjoy every minute. But, are all your energies focused on you becoming a future new wife? Have you forgotten anything?

Surveys tell us that most brides-to-be take care of many of the big details relating to walking down the aisle and preparing for their future role as a Mrs., but not much time is spent on thinking about what they are leaving behind. To be ready for any new role in life, you must first say goodbye to what you are leaving behind.

When you are a bride-to-be, you are making a giant step from being single to being a partner in a marriage. That’s a huge transition and one that should be carefully considered and then celebrated to the fullest.

Weddings are about the couples’ union, bridal showers are about the new couple setting up their home, but the bachelorette party is the only celebration that’s all about you. The bachelorette party is a special celebration with your friends, to say goodbye to your single life. It’s like a “singledom” graduation. You’ve done it, and now you’re off to the next step – Getting Married!

So what do you need to do before you tie the knot? Anything and everything that you won’t be able to do once you’re hitched. Of course there are limits, because after all you are part of a couple even though you’re not married yet. The last thing you want to do is get the groom-to-be upset. Imagine having to send back all those cool presents you’ve received from your registry.

But there are many things that you did as a bachelorette that are okay to do on your last moments as a Miss. Here are just a few.

1. Stay in your PJs all day, watching sappy romance movies with a box of Kleenex.
2. Get up in the middle of the night for a pint of your favorite ice cream.
3. Call an ex-boyfriend and flirt till he starts annoying you.
4. Have a girl’s only slumber party and play games that let you dish about your past romances.
5. Let your cat share your dinner with you.
6. Do something special with your mother. She deserves some quality time before your life becomes “all about hubby”.
7. Go on a major shopping spree buying only items that he would never buy…comfy sweat pants and granny panties.
8. Make an appointment for medical spa services and get that extra hair gone forever.
9. Use your sexiness to get a discount on whatever you need…like car repairs, shoes, or landscaping.
10. Celebrate your last night out on the town with your girlfriends!

Wedding Gift Etiquette

2010-03-16T01:05:00.000-07:00

Wedding Gift Etiquette
I was recently asked by a reporter what my thoughts are on Wedding Gift Etiquette. Here are some of the questions and answers.

Although wedding gifts are customary, are they truly required?
If you’ve been invited to the wedding and plan on attending, you should send a gift that is at least equal to the amount of the meal. On average a $150-250 gift is appropriate. Sometimes guests will give smaller or larger gifts based on their particular financial circumstances and the type of event.

What is the time frame for wedding gifts?
It’s best to send the gift within the first couple months before or after the wedding. However, tradition says you have up to a year to send a gift.

Why do we give gifts at weddings?
Wedding gift giving is an American tradition that is based on European practices of giving gifts to help the couple setup their new home.

What if a guest never gives a gift?
Not much you can do about it. However, it may also be a shipping issue so you may want to try to casually bring it up in conversation just in case they actually did send you a gift that was lost in the mail. If it’s a close friend, you can probably just be open about the situation, “Just wanted to let you know that I might be having some mail delivery problems. Please let me know if you’ve sent something to me so I can be on the lookout for it.”

What about the possibility of theft of wedding gifts?
Unfortunately this happens more than you can image. It usually takes place at the wedding and reception where there are a pile of gifts. Suggest on your wedding website that guests send gifts verses brining them to the celebration.

Are there any statistics and data about wedding gifts and gift giving that you can give to us?
Out of my clients about 40% are choosing more modern adaptations of registering for typical gifts. Many couples have requested donations to a charity of the guest’s choosing, or the couple’s favorite charity usually tied in with a family member’s story. This type of gifting is a great option for 2nd marriages or established couples that are more financially secure.

Wedding Planning Month #3

2010-03-16T00:59:00.001-07:00

Guest Lists, Announcements, and Invitations

In Planning Month #3, you’ve determined the style of your wedding. Now you need to finalize who is going to be invited to the big occasion: family members, friends, and co-workers. Do you want the celebration to be big or intimate? What will your budget allow? The easiest way to figure this out is by creating an Excel data base listing all your potential guests and include their contact information. Using Excel really helps when you need to put together mailing labels, addresses and mail mergers. Then go over the list several times and discuss it with your partner to get a final guest list.

Once you have finalized your list and your data base is ready, you need to select Save the Date Announcements and the Invitations. Of course, it should be in the same style of your occasion and there are many components you need to think of. Will you have a RSVP postcard or insert? How about a map or travel information? A professional’s help will make sure the wording is right for you and you have all the pieces you need to make the impact you desire.

There are many great invitation companies out there and one of our favorites is Petalos di Pauli. Owner Paula Dulan Estes creates custom invites using real flowers and they are beyond exceptional. I invite you to take a look http://www.petalosdipauli.com.

As always, Bride’s Night Out, Inc. is happy to help you with your events and point you in the right direction. Please feel free to contact us at: parties@bridesnightout.com

No More Furry Kisses

2010-03-12T00:19:00.001-08:00

Imagine going to kiss your fiancé and the look on his face when he feels that your mustache is bigger than his. Okay, maybe he didn’t notice. But you probably have when you put on makeup and it collected in the little hairs right above your lips. Oh my!

You’ve tried plucking, cutting and waxing but it keeps coming back. Don’t you want it gone forever, especially before the big day?

Have no fear! Bride’s Night Out, Inc. is now offering pain free laser hair removal to our friends at an incredible deal. With our partner Spa 7 Cosmetic & Laser Center you can meet with one of the doctors or nurses and have that furry caterpillar removed. Located inside of Burke Williams Day Spa, West Hollywood and Pasadena, CA, Spa 7 is a great spot to bring your girl buddy for a day of relaxation and maintenance.

Relaxation? What do I mean? Well since Spa 7 is located inside Burke Williams Day Spa, you will also get to use the fabulous amenities of their location including the whirlpool, steam room, showers and more. Hey, why not also book a massage from Burke Williams too?

Contact BNO about special pricing on procedures, party options, and for more information on how you can smooth out your pucker: parties@bridesnightout.com.

Wedding Planning Month #2

2010-02-05T00:21:00.000-08:00

Finding the Perfect Spot

This is now your second month of planning your dream wedding. Have you chosen a venue? Started looking at wedding dresses? Picked out your bridal wear? If you haven’t, the time is now!

To find the perfect venue, you must decide exactly where you want the ceremony and reception taking place. Do you want it to be outside at maybe a winery, ranch, beach, or maybe a friend’s big back yard? Or do you want a specific venue, which may be a better choice in harsher weather climates? Are you going to have 2 locations or just one? You need to start making appointments to stop by and check these places out. Ask questions such as – do you provide a planner, can I use my own vendors, and what are the fees and cancellation policies. In general, many outside locations may be less expensive. However, if you’re opting for a public park, you may need a permit from the city. Make sure you check all these things out with a professional planner. The last thing you want to happen is having the Rangers close you down before you get hitched.

Additional help is just a phone call away. Call us at Bride’s Night Out, Inc. and we’ll point you in the right direction: (323) 848-4444.

BNO Welcomes Alejandra Olguin

2010-01-31T08:23:00.001-08:00

Bride’s Night Out, Inc. is excited to welcome our newest intern to the BNO team, Alejandra Olguin.

Alejandra is currently attending The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where she is majoring in Product Development. She has joined our team hoping to learn as much as she can about the party planning business, and to gain new marketing skills. She also is very interested in every aspect of the bridal world.

Wedding Planning Month #1

2010-01-21T23:01:00.001-08:00

YOUR WEDDING WORKBOOK
During the first month of planning a wedding you usually have a million things running though your head. It’s definitely hard to concentrate when you can’t stop looking at that beautiful ring on your finger and feeling the joys of being engaged. And then you start thinking about the ceremony and reception and it’s only natural to start feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you don’t know exactly what your style is and you probably are unfamiliar with how much everything will cost. It’s only natural considering this is a new experience for the both of you.

The first thing to do is write a list of all your questions, and ideas. Check out millions of magazines. Are you traditional, modern, or completely unique? Keep a notebook with you at all times and write any little thing that pops into your head. Paste in clippings from brochures and add your own photos of flowers, dresses, venues, and anything that strikes you as being something you want to have for your dream celebration. Keep all your ideas in one place and have fun creating your keepsake workbook.

Feel free to show your idea book to anyone else that will be assisting you with the planning or perhaps helping pay for it. The groom-to-be and your family, may be interested in taking part from the very beginning.

After you’ve gathered your basic ideas, make an appointment with a wedding planner. Even if you’re a do it yourself kind of person, getting advice from a professional will help you get a jump start on making your event successful. You’ll also find out that with the assistance from a planner, there’s a good chance you’ll save time and money by having them help you through the entire process or just a portion of it. Either way, you’ll still need to do some work on your own to get your vision mapped out and have a better grasp of your budget.

Here is a list of items you may want to include in your idea book:
1. venue choices for your ceremony and reception
2. type of entertainment
3. your dress
4. flowers
5. theme/style and cultural preferences
6. your budget
7. how many guests
8. how many people in the wedding party
9. possible dates
10. type of food

Additional help is just a phone call away. Call us at Bride’s Night Out, Inc. and we’ll point you in the right direction: (323) 848-4444.

12 Months of Wedding Planning - Intro

2009-12-05T23:55:00.000-08:00

Remember the song the “12 Days of Christmas”? It reminded me that during this time of year, many people will be getting engaged. They will first be overjoyed and excited but then they’ll start thinking about the planning. And inevitably, that happiness turns to feeling like you have a pine cone stuck in your stomach.

Whoever planned out the 12 Days of Christmas is more organized than most of us. Can you imagine planning out 12 original and elaborate gifts for your loved one during the holiday season! Gosh, I’m lucky if I can get all my cards out before December 24th.

This has inspired me to create a plan called the 12 Months of Wedding Planning. For most of us, you will have at least 1 year if not more to start organizing all the details of the nuptials celebration. But if not, you can still cram a few of the months together and have a task order handy. The main point is, don’t leave it all to the last minute. Doing a little at a time will ease your mind and help you enjoy one of the most exciting times of your life.

So stay tuned as I bring you excerpts from the 12 Months of Wedding Planning!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T22:48:00.001-08:00

The Bride's Night Out, Inc. Family wishes you and yours a very warm, cuddly and Happy Thanksgiving!

BNO's Pamela Yager at ABC & NACE Event

2009-11-17T00:49:00.001-08:00

Pamela is back in action and making her rounds at the bridal networking events..and showing pictures of her twins, born July 31st, to everyone she meets. Pictured here with Bride's Night Out's friend Valerie Miller, VIP DJ, they enjoyed the Association of Bridal Consultants & NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) event on November 16th at Wolfgang Puck, Pacific Design Center - West Hollywood.

Bride's Night Out at Pasadena Bridal Expo

2009-11-17T00:37:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to the team of Bride's Night Out, Inc. for making a great impact at the Pasadena Bridal Expo this past Sunday!

Bobby, Bridget, Marci, Pamela and Maxine met with hundreds of brides-to-be and their friends and answered many questions about pre-wedding events.

Of course, everyone loves all of our parties but the ones they most requested included:

1. Indoor wine tasting then out on the town for clubbing

2. Our new MediSpa Parties at Spa 7 Cosmetic & Laser Center @ Burke Williams Day Spa

We look forward to working with the attendees on their events and welcome them to contact us for an in-person party consultation...where we'll discover what best suits their BNO Party Personality!

(323) 848-4444 or parties@bridesnightout.com

BNO ShotTini Days at Spa 7 Cosmetic & Laser Center

2009-11-12T23:17:00.000-08:00

In honor of the Winter Bridal Expo Season starting this weekend and the launch of MediSpa Pamper Party Packages, Bride's Night Out, Inc. is offering specials with our new partner Spa 7 Cosmetic & Laser Center @ Burke Williams Day Spa in West Hollywood and Pasadena, California.

Spa 7 Cosmetic & Laser Center is an incredible medispa with a huge menu of services that will help you look your most fabulous. Who doesn't want to look their best on picture day, and the days before and after? Some of our favorite services include pain-free laser hair removal, medical grade chemical peels, fillers, Botox, and CO2.

Launching this Sunday, Bride's Night Out, Inc. will be rolling out our new MediSpa Party Packages with Spa 7. Parties include medispa services, use of the day spa facilities at Burke Williams Day Spa and BNO party extras (BNO Bubbly Sparkling Wine, Veil, Boa, and more).

For more details on the specials and party packages, please contact us at parties@bridesnightout.com or call (323) 848-4444.

BNO Congratulates Marci

2009-11-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

Bride's Night Out, Inc. is happy to welcome Marci Lopez to our team. Marci started as an Intern wanting to expand her experience with event planning. Marci joined BNO as a Party Aide Intern but after being with the company for three months we decided to extend to her a full time position as an event planner. Her bubbly personality, creativity and "people person" skills make her an automatic fit with our company. Marci is able to establish a great relationship with each and every client, and truly enjoys seeing their happiness after the outcome of a truly beautiful event.

New BNO Intern Maxine Pittman Eager to Join Team

2009-11-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

Bride’s Night Out, Inc. is excited to welcome our newest intern to the BNO team, Maxine Pittman. Maxine is currently attending Glendale Community College and plans on transferring to California State University, Northridge in the fall pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business and minor in Marketing/Advertising. Maxine has signed on as a Marketing Intern with BNO with the hopes of learning the ins and outs of everything from event planning to marketing skills. Her energy, motivation and spunk made it easy for BNO to add this bright, new face to the team.

The Nations Premiere Bachelorette Party Planning Service!

2009-09-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

A Bride's Night Out® bachelorette party is as unique and special
as the guest of honor -- with a style and personality all its own.
We'll help you turn your dream event into a reality with
personalized planning and attention to every detail.

Brides Night Out, Inc.
8033 W. Sunset Blvd #1042 address
Los Angeles, CA 90046
T. (323)848-4444 F. (323)843-5393

Chocolate Delights

2009-07-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Looking for something unique and fun for your Bachelorette Party? Consider a Chocolate Delights fountain for not only a delicious treat, but also a cute decoration. Choose from milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate and a variety of custom colors to match the theme of you party! The best part about these fabulous fountains is that almost everyone LOVES chocolate so it will definitely be a big hit at your event.

To get more information on how to get a chocolate fountain at your bachelorette party you can send an email to: parties@bridesnightout.com

Let's Party in New Orleans

2009-06-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

My work with Bride’s Night Out, Inc. might keep me based out of Los Angeles, but my heart and soul will forever be in my hometown New Orleans.

It has been four years since hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Surviving the greatest natural disaster in the United States was just the beginning; convincing people that New Orleans is no longer dangerous was going to be the hard part. As a result, the city has launched a national advertising campaign to address the issue and rejuvenate the tourism industry.

Now, New Orleans is alive and thriving and I’ve witnessed it firsthand. From Bourbon Street in the French Quarter down St. Charles Ave., where I grew up and my parents still live, to Lake Pontchartrain, the city is back in full swing. The quarter is looking better than it has in years; people are gathering around Jackson Square to listen to music and watch the artists, the retailers have a renewed spirit and food favorites are even more delicious.

Feeling the passion to support New Orleans’ economy and share the city with my friends, I planned my destination wedding week, produced by Bride's Night Out, Inc., with the ceremony taking place on July 7, 2007. My goal was to showcase all of what New Orleans has to offer which would ensure my guests would have an amazing time.

The city definitely played a very large role in our wedding. Upon arrival, out of towners were greeted at the airport by my friend Robert dressed in New Orleans inspired garb with warm pleasantries to boot. In hotel rooms, guests found goody baskets with some local staples – Zapp’s potato chips, pralines, local newspaper, New Orleans magazine, Kentwood Water, selection of fresh fruit, and a welcome letter with the schedule of wedding festivities.

The schedule outlined the 7 wedding events including:
July 4th Pre-Party with Cocktails at the International House Hotel and Fireworks at the Riverwalk Marketplace
July 5th Welcome Jazz party at Harrah’s Hotel
July 6th Bridal Shower and tea at the Windsor Court Hotel
July 6th Groom’s Luncheon at La Cote Brasserie and tour of the National WWII Museum
July 6th Seafood Rehearsal Party at the Pelican Club Restaurant
July 7th Wedding Ceremony, Sit Down Wine Pairing Dinner, and Reception at Emeril’s Delmonico with music by Rebirth Brass Band, James Singleton, Johnny Vadacovich and others.
July 8th Day After Brunch at Brennan’s Restaurant

I was amazed at how many of our friends and family made the trip but I’m so happy they did. For most of them, this was their first time back to the Crescent City since the hurricane. It was great opportunity for everyone to experience New Orleans’ rebirth, enjoying the music, food and celebration.

My company Bride’s Night Out, Inc. continues to provide the best “insiders” party packages to New Orleans for bachelor and Bachelorette parties, renewal of vows and destination friend trips. For more details contact parties@bridesnightout.com.

Pamela Yager on “Let’s talk to Dr. Sheila Forman”!

2009-06-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

This past Friday, it was truly my pleasure to be the featured guest on Dr. Sheila Forman’s internet radio show. The topic of the show, Planning Your Wedding, covered everything from what to do about the stresses of coordinating the ceremony to pre-nuptial agreements, and of course, pre-wedding parties.

Dr. Sheila is an excellent host, and super smart, clinical psychologist and attorney, and has a super delightful personality. So, the interview was beyond fun.

We also discussed customized bachelorette parties and planning efficient cost conscious weddings. Moreover, she had some fun questions for me including what was the most outlandish party request I’ve received, to what it was like planning a party for Jessica Simpson in her home state of Texas.

To check out the interview, go to http://www.healthylife.net/RadioShow/archiveLTS.htm and hear it all!!

Organic Green Weddings

2009-06-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

All the cool couples are doing it…..Organic Weddings!

Are you getting married but don’t want to spend an outrageous amount of money on a venue, dress, and flowers? Not only, is a wedding hard on the wallet but it’s hard on the environment as well.

In a one billion dollar a year wedding industry, where approximately 2.4 million couples get married every year there is a budding desire for environmental awareness in both planning and executing a wedding celebration. People are becoming increasingly more eco-friendly not only because the environment is in desperate need of repair, but since organic goods are healthier and often cheaper in the long run.

When planning an organic wedding there are numerous ways to keep the wedding environmentally friendly. You can opt to have your wedding entirely green or just integrate organic aspects.

A few areas of planning that have green alternatives:

Wedding attire - Every bride wants a unique wedding dress or flowing fairytale gown for their special day. Nonetheless, budget tends to play a large role when choosing what to wear. With the intent of being eco-friendly and money conscious, countless brides-to-be are turning to local designers for their dresses. Usually, small local designers will individually work with the bride and can offer an affordable price. Since the dress is custom made, the fabric can be all natural if desired. Silk is one of the more popular choices. Others have decided to rent for the occasion, just using it for the day of celebration and returning it for others to use.

The ring - A diamond wedding ring is both traditional and beautiful; however, the growing awareness of gold and diamond mining has made couples turn to less conventional rings. For instance, rings in Canada can be traced to the source and are labeled as “conflict free”.

Natural beauty products - One of the easiest ways to integrate organic products into a wedding is through beauty products. Many companies now offer complete lines of make up and other skin care products that are 100% natural. These make great guest favors or attendant gifts.

Invitations – Before the dress, flowers and the food, the invitations must be sent out. Emailing your invitations is clearly the most eco-friendly and cost efficient. However, most couples prefer more formal wedding stationery for this type of celebration. The invitations, save-the-date cards, ceremony programs and even reception menus can be printed on recycled or tree-free paper.

Earth friendly locations - Choosing the location for a wedding is one of the most difficult decisions for the couple. When looking for venues here are a few things to keep in mind. There are several types of venues that respect the earth and the surrounding community. For instance, historic buildings, museums or parks can be wonderful places to have the celebration. Many times these locations are owned and maintained by non-profit organizations.

Organic food and beverages – When searching for a caterer, attempt to look for ones who incorporate organic ingredients or at least offer organic options. More importantly, ask if they can include the locally grown produce, or dairy products. Moreover, if you decide you don’t want to keep the leftover food for yourself, a charitable alternative is to donate it to a local homeless shelter or food bank.

Flowers – Flowers are such an important part of the wedding, and there are many ways to bring the organic theme into the decorating. Flowers, fruits and even vegetables are being displayed at weddings these days. There are numerous easy ways to have a wedding flourished with fresh pesticide-free flowers. First off, many flowers, such as lavender, herbs and berries, don’t need pesticides to grow, and are therefore a good place to start. Otherwise, local growers are also a great source for plant materials. Consider using potted flowers and plants that can be taken home by guests later instead of cut flowers that will only be thrown away.

Activities - We can arrange party games, gifts and more that play up your Green theme. Would you like to indulge in spa services with organic products? You'll feel better than ever with ingredients that are all natural. These days everyone is going Green and promoting the steps we need to take in order to preserve our earth.

Transportation – Transportation is both expensive and detrimental to the environment. Instead of having all of your guests arrive in different cars, you could ask them to carpool or have us arrange a limo, shuttle bus, or eye catching trolley. Consider having all the wedding guests arrive at a specific location and then a shuttle picks them up to take them to the wedding destination.

Honeymoons – The last part of a nuptials celebration, and possibly the best part for the couple (hee hee), is the honeymoon. There is no need to end the “green” theme once the ceremony is over. Many couples are opting for honeymoons that are eco-friendly as well. For example, you can stay in green hotels that are concerned with water preservation and recycling or even plan an activity based trip where you’re giving back to the earth.

For more information on how we can help you make the most of your green celebrations, please contact us at (323) 939-2293.

Thank You Notes For Smaller Events?

2009-05-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

For the most part, it doesn’t really occur to people to write thank you notes to party hosts. Of course after a wedding or big party, the guest of honor feels obligated to write thank you cards to everyone who helped and attended the event. The question is whether a thank you note is necessary after a smaller event, such as a Bachelorette Party.

While some may think a thank you note after smaller events is not a requirement, we politely disagree. Why shouldn’t you thank the person who spent days, weeks, and maybe even months planning the party?

Planning the perfect Bachelorette Party can be extremely time-consuming and expensive. That is why the answer to this sometimes controversial question is always “yes”. The Maid of Honor or in some cases a best friend or family member that throws you your last single rendezvous deserves a huge thank you. Although you may say thank you many times in person, taking the time to write a personalized thank you note shows how grateful you really are and that you recognize how much thought and effort went in to planning your special event. As a Bachelorette Party planning expert, I personally know from experience the level of organization, thoughtfulness, patience and creativity that goes into planning each individual event. These thank you notes don’t need to be pages long just something short, sweet, and to the point. Check out the example below.

Dear Brook,

Thank you so much for planning my amazing weekend with all of the girls before my wedding day. You are the best maid of honor and sister anyone could ask for. All the memories we had throughout last weekend will last me a lifetime. I can’t thank you enough for spending so much time creating the perfect bachelorette party for me.

Love You!
Kiki

Jasmine Bridal Fashion Trunk Show

2009-05-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 26, 2009 was another beautiful day in Los Angeles and the perfect weather for an outdoor bridal event. Rose Petals Bridal Store in Toluca Lake hosted the Jasmine Bridal Fashion Trunk Show and Mini Bridal Expo. The event was held in the lot behind the store which was tented for over 15 vendor booths and a stage area for the fashion show. I was one of the vendors representing Bride's Night Out. Inc. and spent the day with planners, brides, and industry friends. I especially enjoyed visiting with some direct selling consultants that were present (candle and greeting card companies) who would like to add Bride's Night Out, Inc. to thier current offerings. Everyone truly had a fun day and it was great to make some new friends.

Personalized Travel Candle in Sheer Organza Bag

2009-04-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

Kate Aspen is comprised of very unique, elegant, and unforgettable favors for weddings, and any type of party or celebration. Their gift collection is sure to meet a variety of different styles and preferences. Bride’s Night Out, Inc. and I are happy to offer these wonderful products. It is a great way to personalize your wedding and pay attention to the details that you desire.

The Personalized Travel Candle in Sheer Organza Bag -
Lightly scented and elegantly presented, this lovely candle is a guest favorite, because it brings a little romantic candlelight wherever they go. And as always, your personalization adds a memorable touch to these favors.

Features and facts:
Personalized labels for lid come in several design options
Tin measures approximately 2” in diameter and is 1” high
Easy assembly
Minimum order requirement of 24

Your Wedding Day Magazine at The Ebell of Los Angeles

2009-04-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

Your Wedding Day Magazine threw the most fabulous party for wedding industry professionals last night, April 22, 2009, which I attended representing Bride's Night Out, Inc. The party was held at The Ebell of Los Angeles, which is located near Hancock Park in the Los Angeles, and is one of the more beautiful large venues in the area.

Guests had an opportunity to sample all sorts of appetizers, main dishes, and desserts that were more than tasty. The venue had at least 4 event rooms decorated in different looks and showcased entertainment in each. My favorite of the rooms had an Indian theme, complete with a henna artist, who we are looking forward to working with at Bride's Night Out, Inc.

New TLC Wedding TV Show

2009-04-22T13:49:00.001-07:00

Another fabulous wedding reality show is being developed for TLC (The Learning Channel) called "Left at the Altar". Since Bride's Night Out, Inc. and Pamela Yager have produced and developed programs for television, experience that spans almost 20 years, we were asked to seek out qualified folks with great stories.

Hey Recently Married People....this is your opportunity to be in the limelight!

Did your "Big Day" not go exactly as planned?
Did you leave someone at the altar, was the wedding cancelled a few days before the event, or did something else happen that was dramatic and interesting?

Gather your best stories, video, pictures, etc. and let us know about it.
Contact: contest@bridesnightout.com.

Bride's Night Out, Inc. at the Wedding Happy Hour

2009-04-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

As a reputable vendor in a unique pre-wedding category, Bride's Night Out, Inc. was asked to be a regular at Wedding Happy Hour events, a great opportunity to expand relationships. "Wedding Happy Hour" is known as a “mini casually toned industry showcase” for Brides and Vendors. It occurs monthly at a different venue each time and brings a fun, untailored, interactive approach to interacting with potential clients. Organized by photographer Jennifer Emery and Wedding Consultant/Coordintor Marcia Vidal, CWC, the group includes top-notch wedding industry professionals and experts from the Los Angeles area.

The first event that BNO attended was on March 25, 2009 at Pop Champagne & Dessert Bar in Pasadena, CA. Marketing VP Kay Abadee was in attendance and had a great time meeting everyone, discussing new trends and collaborating on new ideas.

We'll keep you posted on future events and look forward to brining you the scoop.

Bride’s Night Out, Inc. Staff and Party Consultants at A Soolip Wedding!

2009-04-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

A Soolip Wedding is considered to be the wedding event of choice by LA’s most well-known bridal resources. It goes beyond the typical “bridal show” to an astonishing experience. It offers modern awareness, trend-setting locations, and collection of products and services that express style, artistry and quality. A Soolip Wedding celebrates the art of getting married.

Bride’s Night Out, Inc. was delighted to be a featured vendor at the Soolip event on Sunday, March 29, at the beautiful venue, Vibiana in Los Angeles. Guests received BNO goody bags as they left, which included a special gift and coupons for party packages, along with invitations to exclusive events! Special thanks to Lance Williams and staff at Playa Del Rey Florist & Gifts for the dramatic and ahhhh-inspiring flower arrangement, and Erin Adams Events for the fabulous booth design.

If you missed out on A Soolip Wedding but would like to know more about BNO’s upcoming events, please visit http://www.bridesnightout.com/.

BNO Birthday Party!

2009-04-01T23:12:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, March 26, Bride’s Night Out, Inc. hosted a birthday bash at BNO Party Central to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the Party Consultant Program. BNO Party Coordinators, Directors, Staff, Board Members and friends arrived at 7:00pm and enjoyed BNO Bubbly sparkling wine and appetizers before hearing about the exciting new opportunities BNO has to offer. At the event, BNO Marketing VP, Kay Abadee, introduced a new program, the Party Consultant Director – Gold Package, as well as fabulous new Bachelorette party products and packages.

Dr. Bob Williams, the featured guest speaker at the event as well as a BNO Advisory Board member, discussed sales challenges, goal setting, lead prioritizing, and more. Dr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Management, a Master of Science Degree in Management Science and a Doctor of Business Administration Degree in International Management. He writes newspaper and magazine articles on various business subjects and was named business man of the year for Chino Hills, CA, and served on staff for Tupperware International for ten years as Chief Financial Officer for the South Pacific Region.

The night was a huge success filled with fun and vital information! To find out more about the new program, please visit http://www.bridesnightout.com/ or email consultants@bridesnightout.com.

BNO at the Langham Huntington Hotel

2009-03-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

On February 8th, The Festival of Brides held an upscale bridal event at the beautiful Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa, in Pasadena and Bride’s Night Out, Inc. was one of the specialty exhibitors.

Some of our BNO Party Consultants operated the booth and presented the latest information on pre-wedding party packages and custom planning for the most discriminating couples. Brides, Mothers of the Bride, Grooms, and vendors were able to speak with BNO Party Expert Kimberly Zimmerman, Party Consultant Heather Tank, and myself. We were excited to share with the hundreds of guests and their friends the latest trends in pre-wedding events this season, wine tastings and spa events, and help them personalize their celebrations.

If you did not attend the event but would like more information on pre-wedding parties, please contact the BNO office at: (323) 939-2293.

BNO at ABC Vendor Faire

2009-03-02T21:17:00.001-08:00

Bride’s Night Out, Inc. participated in the ABC Vendor Faire on Monday, February 9th. BNO’s booth featured our latest packages and some extra goodies for planners in attendance. We also shared the opportunity of becoming a BNO Party Consultant, answered questions on the many benefits, and signed up new PCs!

One of the many highlights of the evening was sneaking in a photo booth for a fun shot with the BNO team and our friend Father Brian Delvaux. Father Brian officiates at weddings and is a valuable addition to the wedding community.

It was a well-planned event with a great mix of vendors and plenty of entertainment, making it a successful evening for everyone.

BNO Welcomes Jessica McIlroy

2009-02-24T21:26:00.000-08:00

Bride's Night Out, Inc. is happy to announce and welcome intern Jessica McIlroy to our team. She is a senior at Azusa Pacific University and will soon be graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies, and a minor in Psychology. Jessica has joined our group as a BNO Party Aide to help her experience all aspects of event planning, and to expand her knowledge and skills. Her spirit and energy are high, and we look forward to having her assistance.

BNO Valentine’s Mixer Post Party Review

2009-02-18T16:38:00.000-08:00

On Friday, February 6th, Bride’s Night Out, Inc. threw a Valentine’s Mixer Party, where brides and vendors had a fabulous time enjoying a variety of appetizers and desserts, while being entertained by our hilarious show and the talents of VIP DJ. The star-studded line-up of comedian came packed with credits including performances at world wide military tours, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson, HBO, and NBC. One audience member had a new wedding dilemma she confessed to me, “These comics are so funny; I don’t know which one I want to have at my party!”
As a special bonus of the night, BNO Marketing VP, Kay Abadee, extended a discount on packages for guests that booked that night! The lucky takers chose different VIP parties and Vegas packages, including a 4-course dinner with toasts, and VIP access to clubs. Another highlight of the event was the BNO Party Store where guests could order the newest line of bachelorette wear, which were featured during the fashion show. The store also included an assortment of colorful, festive feather boas and cases of our premium BNO Bubbly Sparkling wine.
If you’re a bride-to-be or you’re in charge of planning the bachelorette party and would like to be invited to our next Party Teaser Event, please contact us at parties@bridesnightout.com.

Last Chance to RSVP

2009-01-30T14:56:00.000-08:00

With just one week away to our Annual Valentines-themed Mixer, we wanted to let everyone know they have only a few days left to RSVP to attend.

If you're a bride-to-be, maid of honor, friend of the bride and in charge of planning any of the wedding details, you won't want to miss this fun event.

VIP DJ will be playing tunes, you'll see the bachelorette fashion show, learn more about pre-wedding party planning and get to visit with wine experts from Young Winos on choosing the best vino for your big day.

RSVP to: parties@bridesnightout.com.

BNO Valentine-themed Mixer - Feb. 6, 2009

2009-01-21T14:02:00.000-08:00

Brides-to-be and Wedding Industry Pros.....

You are cordially invited to a fun Valentine-themed mixer hosted by
Bride’s Night Out, Inc.

Enjoy appetizers and cocktails, mingle with Brides & Wedding Industry Professionals
and learn about everything BNO has to offer in the way of fabulously fun pre-wedding parties.

7-7:30pm Drinks & Appetizers
Wine poured by the Young Winos of LA

7:30-8:30pm Party Teaser
Comedians, Fashion Show & BNO Party Presentation
Bridal Gown Display by Amaya Dylan Brides

8:30-10pm Mingling

BNO Party Central
717 N. Highland Ave., Ste. 4
Hollywood, CA 90038

Space is limited. Please RSVP by 5pm, Monday, February 2nd,
to Parties@BridesNightOut.com or (323) 939-2293.
If you will not be able to make it but want to hear more about planning
your party or becoming a BNO Party Consultant,
email our Party Expert at Kimberly@BridesNightOut.com.

DJ provided by…
VIP DJ Entertainment—LA’s creative music experts provide the organized planning and personal attention your special day deserves!
Entertainment Director: Valerie Miller 323.691.1001 EMAIL: info@vipdj.com

Movie Release Update on “Bride Wars”

2009-01-13T14:29:00.001-08:00

My office is just buzzing with excitement over the news that the movie Bride Wars is doing fantastic at the box office! I haven’t had an opportunity to view it myself, since I’m juggling bridal expos and BNO’s wedding business, but I do plan on going as soon as possible.

Our BNO Party Expert, Kimberly mentioned, “My friend said that his parents just loved the movie and he was really looking forward to seeing it,” and that’s coming from a 20 something guys’ guy.

We’re so happy that Bride Wars is doing so great and are thrilled that we participated in some of their premieres. Yes, if you were one of the lucky brides in Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami that attended the first screening party, then you received a goody bag which included a special gift from Bride’s Night Out, Inc. and a special party offer.

Congrats to Bride Wars and may the wedding force be with all of you!

Bride’s Night Out, Inc. Welcomes Anita Sahakian

2009-01-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

We would like to welcome our newest member of our Bride’s Night Out, Inc. Team, Anita Sahakian. Anita will be joining us as a BNO marketing intern (BNO Party Aide), assisting Kay Abadee, VP of Marketing. Anitia will be receiving her bachelor’s degree from California State University of Northridge in Business Marketing in the spring of 2009. She is aiming towards expanding her knowledge and experience, and we hope that BNO will be a great opportunity for her. During her interview, she mentioned, “Your company is innovative and unique, and it really caught my interest!” With her dedication, willingness to learn, and bubbly attitude, we look forward to having Anita with us at BNO Party Central.

Bride’s Maid’s New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

Holidays are over and so is the vacation from your best friend’s wedding planning duties. Sure it was nice to take a little breather from looking at wedding dresses, flower arrangements and ring pillows, but now it’s back to the grind stone.

Already brides-to-be, who are getting married in the spring, summer and fall of ’09, are scheduling their pre-wedding parties. This means you’ve got some work ahead of you to make sure she knows you’ve got everything under control.

Have you put together your Bride’s Maid’s New Year’s Resolution? My favorites…
Start pre-wedding party planning now.
Start saving now for the party ahead.

The great thing is, BNO makes it easy. Resolutions like researching locations, arranging gifts, coordinating invitations, can all be handled effortlessly by contacting a BNO Party Consultant. We do the details so you can concentrate on having fun. In fact, if you start making your arrangements now, we’ll also help you juggle your dollars, through our payment plan.

Now that’s some Bride’s Maid’s New Year’s Resolutions you can keep!

Get started now by contacting Kimberly at: Kimberly@bridesnightout.com or (323) 710-2495.

BNO Bubbly Sparkling Wine Serving Tips

2008-12-31T10:38:00.001-08:00

Tis’ the season to be popping the cork and pouring your favorite sparkling beverage to celebrate the New Year, new engagements and starting new chapters in your life. There's nothing more festive and nothing so important, so of course you want to get it right. Have no fear! I'm here to bring you some great tips for enjoying your celebratory drinks.

BNO Bubbly Serving Tips

Each bottle pours approximately 6 full glasses, 12 toasting glasses, or 1 bottle for a very drunk bride.
Remember to keep it well chilled to aid the flavor and limit the overflow when opening
- Preferably use a wine bucket, half-filled with ice and water, for 30 minutes.
- Alternatively store the bottle in the refrigerator for approximately one hour.
Wipe each bottle before opening to prevent slippage
When opening
- Keep your thumb on top of the cork as you untwist the wire so it doesn’t pop unexpectedly
- Lay a towel over the cork to help your grip and to catch any potential spills (You surely don’t want to waste a drop of fabulous BNO Bubbly.)
- Hold the bottle straight up and not at an angle and avoid standing over it (It’s all fun and games until somebody loses an eye.)
- Gently turn the bottle and not the cork, so that you hear a “woof” or “the sigh of a French maiden” and not a pop
- NEVER use a corkscrew, or else.
When pouring each glass, end with a quick turn of the bottle to catch the drops

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

If you’d like to order fabulous Bride’s Night Ou® Bubbly for your event, please give us a ring at (323) 939-2293.

Happy New Year!

BNO Ribbon Cutting with Hollywood Chamber

2008-12-18T22:34:00.000-08:00

With my company Bride’s Night Out, Inc., I hosted a holiday reception in conjunction with our ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 11 and had a great turn out! Hollywood Chamber of Commerce members attended to learn about our innovative company and how we’re taking Bachelorette parties to a whole new level!

The event started out on the streets of Hollywood, outside our office entrance which was decked out in BNO balloons, VIP pink carpeting, and “Party Caution Tape”. BNO Bubbly sparkling wine was poured for all the guests and Kay Abadee, BNO VP of Marketing, was on hand ready with an extra pair of scissors, just in case the giant ones didn’t do the trick.

After Chamber Board Members and staff, including Kaylee Kiecker, participated with the fun ribbon cutting ceremony outdoors, we all made our way inside BNO Party Central headquarters for appetizers, drinks, and desserts.

Our event was well received and everyone truly enjoyed hearing more about our exclusive party planning and production services. We look forward to supporting the Chamber and being a part of the Hollywood community.

If you’d like more information please contact us at pamela@bridesnightout.com and visit http://www.bridesnightout.com/.

E! Holiday Party

2008-12-10T22:30:00.000-08:00

Last night, was so much fun at the E! Holiday Party held at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles. As you can see above, there were lots of standup comic friends to play with. Pictured from left to right: Kris Lezetc, me (Pamela Yager), Matt Iseman , and Kelly Kursten.

Kelly Kursten, my long time comedy pal and date for the night, is a producer at E! and is an Advisory Board Member of Bride's Night Out, Inc. In the past Kelly has worked with us writting, producing, and directing and continues to provide amazing feedback and support on BNO projects.

At the party, I also ran into another fabulous friend that has worked on Bride's Night Out(r) projects, Bridget Foley. Bridget is an outstanding editor and a super cool chic.

Good times!

Upcoming Event: Bride’s Night Out, Inc. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

2008-12-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

Pamela Yager and Bride’s Night Out, Inc. cordially invite the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce members to a Ribbon Cutting Event and Networking Mixer.

Introducing the community to Bride’s Night Out, Inc.’s unique event planning and career opportunity company; sharing fabulous information on BNO’s party planning services, products, and referral programs.

Enjoy complimentary appetizers, drinks, and sample our fabulous BNO Sparkling Wine!

6-8pm, Thursday, December 11, 2008

6-7pm Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Mingling
7-7:30pm Info Sharing
7:30-8pm More Mingling, Fun & Prizes

Location: BNO Party Central – Hollywood, CA

Please RSVP by December 8th to parties@bridesnightout.com or (323) 939-2242.

Hot New Gift: Cosmetic Travel Bag

2008-12-04T23:56:00.000-08:00

Looking for that perfect girly gift. Check out this...

“The Cosmopolitan” cosmetic travel bag is completely chic and urban, and the elegant monogrammed button makes this a very special gift. The cosmetic travel bag is made from easy-to-clean black polyester with elegant pink satin piping and a fun criss-cross embroidery pattern. This Cosmetic Bag isn't just pretty – it's practical! It's tall and structured enough to keep your favorite cosmetic supplies protected and accessible. The matching black zipper extends almost all the way around the bag, making everything even easier to reach! (And it's handy strap makes it easy to tote!) An embroidered snap-on satin button finishes each bag off with the initial of the gift recipient. Measures approximately 8.5 inches long, 5.75 inches tall and 5 inches deep. Up the wow factor and make it a gift set with our matching Jewelry Pouch.

Bride’s Night Out, Inc. Welcomes New Team Member Kimberly Zimmerman

2008-11-19T01:44:00.000-08:00

Kimberly Zimmerman has joined the Bride’s Night Out, Inc. team as a BNO Party Expert and will be based out of the BNO Party Central office, Hollywood, CA with a satellite location in Orange County. Kimberly comes to Bride’s Night Out, Inc. with a wealth of proven experience in the sales, marketing and hospitality industries.

In her new role with BNO, Kimberly will be working directly with party clients and providing them with personal assistance in booking their events. In addition, Kimberly will be creating and executing sales trainings for the BNO Party Consultants based all over the country.

As the new BNO Party Expert, Kimberly is educating individuals and companies on Bride’s Night Out, Inc. party packages and services, and commission opportunities for those who know brides or are interested in the event planning business. She is supporting party clients, BNO Party Consultants, retailers, novice planners and those interested in learning more about Bride’s Night Out, Inc. She is available for consultations via phone, webinar, and in person meetings. Contact Kimberly at: Kimberly@bridesnightout.com.

Pamela Yager Gift Spotlight: Heart Shaped Calculator

2008-11-19T01:37:00.001-08:00

There’s nothing more boring than doing office or personal work that involves using administrative supplies that come in bland colors. Some tasks become a chore because you’re not stimulated visually; it’s hard to find tools that are cute. I’m always looking for fun items that I can use, even in my most annoying task of balancing my checkbook, that bring a little smile to my face.

Since I use a calculator everyday, I think this is a great product and would be a cool and useful party favor for any occasion, especially weddings and bachelorette parties.

Heart Shaped Calculator

The soft-pink heart has white buttons with easy-to-see, black characters below the LED read-out. Artfully packaged in a clear gift box, the 3 ½” x 3” x ½” calculator sits on a white background and cardboard pedestal filled with hearts of silver and pink. On the pedestal are the words “Love…Let Me Count the Ways” Heart Calculator. A cardboard, silver arrow seems to “pierce” the calculator. The gift box, which measures 4 3/8” x 4 1/8” x ¾””, is completed with a heart-shaped “For You” tag tied with a sheer, white organza ribbon and bow.

Bachelorette Party Gift - “Mr. & Mrs.” Swizzle Sticks

2008-11-17T02:34:00.000-08:00

I’m so excited to introduce you to my newest category on my blog, "Gifts", which highlights some of the coolest new products for bachelorette parties, bridal showers, and favors for weddings.

Check out Mr. & Mrs. Swizzle Sticks.

When you drink to the happy couple, do it in “down the aisle” style! Dress up drinks and stir up a good time at the engagement party, the rehearsal dinner and the reception with “Mr. & Mrs.” Swizzle Sticks. The swizzle sticks come dressed up as top hats and tiaras with veils, leaving no doubt why you’re celebrating. These 6 ¾”-high swizzle sticks are so cute and clever, your guests just might consider them favors and take them home to remind them of the fun they had that wonderful night! Sold in sets of 24.

You may also want to include a bottle of Bride’s Night Out® Bubbly with a fabulous sparkling wine cocktail recipe that Bride's Night Out, Inc. can provide you with for free with the purchase of a bottle. This is a great gift for bachelorette parties and couples showers. Visit the links above and call us for the BNO Bubbly order at: (323) 939-2293.

Bride’s Night Out, Inc. Sponsors ABC Event

2008-11-17T01:49:00.000-08:00

Bride’s Night Out, Inc. had the privilege of being one of the sponsors of the final event of the Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Conference held at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, on November 11th. Our vendor table offered information to ABC members on the BNO bachelorette party packages and BNO Party Consultant opportunity, and a special tasting of our fabulous BNO Bubbly sparkling wine.

Our BNO Team entertained the guests by meeting them individually and playing some of our BNO signature games. Mingling with the crowd and dancing in BNO t-shirts and boas, we promoted our fun company and got everyone involved on the dance floor.

We were thrilled to meet so many ABC members from all over who are interested in offering our products and services to their brides-to-be.

Pamela Yager at the ABC Annual Conference

2008-11-17T01:19:00.000-08:00

The Association of Bridal Consultants is the premiere organization for wedding planners and industry leaders and offers numerous educational opportunities for members and aspiring event professionals. With my company, Bride’s Night Out, Inc., I am a member of the Los Angeles chapter and participated in this year’s annual conference held at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach, CA from November 9-11, 2008.

The conference was amazing with lots of educational seminars hosted by industry experts, vendor booths showcasing the latest in event trends, and off-site parties to keep all the guests networking. I saw my good friends from our local chapter and made new friends with folks from all over including Kansas City, MO, Washington, D.C., the Bahamas, and Singapore.

One of the many highlights of the conference was a luncheon on Monday, November 10, 2008 which featured beautiful tabletop décor, floral arrangements and a fashion show with evening wear and bridal gowns by Caroline Hallak – custom made in one fitting.

With hundreds of guests in attendance, the ABC Annual Conference was not only fun but a great opportunity to mingle with wedding industry professionals from all over the world.

Lunch with Colin Cowie

2008-11-14T01:11:00.000-08:00

Colin Cowie, event planner, author, and designer extraordinaire and I had lunch at the Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Conference. I was one of the lucky raffle winners and was awarded with one of the 10 seats at his table during the afternoon luncheon on November 11, 2008.

The event took place at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach, CA with hundreds of ABC event professional in attendance. Mr. Cowie was the featured speaker of the day and delivered an exciting and educational talk on event design, orchestration and execution. The hour long seminar included video and a montage of site renderings and photos that would make your jaw drop.

As an event producer, I personally have been in charge of events with up to 7,000 guests and budgets in the 2.5 million dollar range which included celebrities and the like, but nothing compares to the types of extravaganzas that Mr. Cowie has designed. He has worked with royalty, A-list celebrities, and multi-millionaires on a regular basis and conceptualizes and executes events that are beyond your most amazing dreams.

Having an opportunity to speak with him and learn about his process was exhilarating and inspirational, and I look forward to brining that energy to my Bride’s Night Out, Inc. clients.

In the next 24 months, I will be doing an apprentice ship with Mr. Cowie and will be working with him on one of his events. I will keep you posted on the fabulous details.

What Brides Can Learn from the Presidential Election Fashion Parade

2008-11-08T04:29:00.000-08:00

We’ve all been glued to the news over the past few months, watching the presidential election coverage. Overall, it was more than exciting but other times, my mind wandered and I started scrutinizing everyone’s outfit. Are these candidates for the television show “What Not to Wear”? Is there anything for a bride-to-be to take away from seeing the same people in so many different ensembles? Absolutely.

At any pre-wedding and wedding event, there will be a camera present. Knowing what colors look good on you is half the battle in getting great pictures.

Let’s look at some of the key women in the Presidential Election and see what outfits worked for them on film. I’ve put the winning outfits first so you can compare.

Michelle Obama
If you’re a bride-to-be and have darker hair and skin tone you’ll want to pick colors that are bright and vibrant. Muted colors will not give you the pizzazz you’re looking for in your party pics.

Sarah Palin
We saw a lot of red from all of the ladies on the campaign trail and that’s because red is a great color on television and compliments many skin tones. If you’re a fair woman with dark hair, you’ll want to choose warm colors like red or orange. Darker colors like black and brown will wash you out on camera.

Cindy McCain
Another attractive put together woman that we’ve seen is Cindy McCain. If you’re a bride that’s blonde and fair, stick with bold cool colors like greens and blues. Flesh tones and whites will wash you out. On your wedding day when you’re wearing white, you might want to consider doing the lightest version of a Mystic Tan at a professional tanning salon one day before the ceremony. This will give you a bit of color without looking orange or streaky.

The most important things to remember for looking great on camera are:
1. Don’t wear pastel colors, whites, creams, very dark colors and small patterns.
2. Don’t wear turtle necks which make you look like a bobble head
3. Don’t show too much skin by wearing tanks or halters unless you have a medium complexion or darker and also work out every day.
4. Choose V tops and scoops, and interesting necklines which look best on camera.
5. Don’t get too busy with big jewelry, which becomes distracting in photos.
6. Don’t wear sheer garments where you can see your bra or you know what.
7. Wear enough makeup to make you look alive but too much like you should be in a circus.
8. Take trial pictures before any big event to see what looks great on you.

For more information on what to wear at your wedding events and party planning consultations, contact parties@bridesnightout.com and visit Bride’s Night Out, Inc.

Michelle Obama and Wedding Fashion Trends

2008-11-08T04:25:00.000-08:00

Over the past few months, Bride’s Night Out, Inc. team members have watched the election coverage and chatted with our clients about the women’s fashions on the political scene. From what we have learned, Michelle Obama is the winner as the most fashionable, and we applaud her for being the best on the Presidential Election Runway. Not only a brilliant woman, Michelle is also strikingly attractive and has chosen some great outfits which compliment her stature and style.

With 1-2% of the population getting married at anytime, many of the brides-to-be were skimming through bridal magazines and planning their weddings, while sitting in front of the TV watching the election coverage. Will these brides be influenced by the political fashions? We’ve been polling our brides-to-be on color choices for their weddings and believe there may be a correlation.

Since the Summer we’ve seen Sarah Palin, Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain wearing an assortment of outfits. These women, for the most part, were dressed in red, blue, green or purple.

In a survey of our brides-to-be, they told us that they have chosen bridal party dresses in red, blue and purple. Coincidence? Maybe, but maybe not. We all get inspiration from others and what’s happening around us, and this campaign is no different. However, it may be that red, blue and purple look great on camera and that’s why brides and celebs have chosen those colors.

Thanksgiving Bachelorette Party Planning Tips

2008-11-03T00:36:00.000-08:00

The Bride’s Night Out, Inc. team has already started booking parties for November 2009 for brides that have lengthy engagements and the luxury of extra planning time. However, I know that there are many 2008 Thanksgiving brides-to-be who have spur of the moment weddings and are just now trying to tie all the pieces together for their last night out. Have no fear; we can help you with that last minute event and I’ve put together some tips to assist you in getting started with your bachelorette party.

1. Timing: If your wedding is around the Thanksgiving holiday or at the end of November, you should book your party this week to occur at least 1 week before your wedding ceremony. The best dates would be: November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, or 23.

2. Invites: Evites and invitations should be sent out this week. We can handle those details for you. You should also follow-up with a phone call to your guests to make sure that they received the invitation and know the bachelorette party details.

3. Party Options: As we get closer to the Thanksgiving holiday, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants have limited schedules since they are used for private parties. Also, the weather is colder during this time of year and some folks prefer to stay in one location. Here are some ideas for parties that may work for you.

*The BNO VIP Party on the town hosted by a BNO Party Guide who plays games with you the entire night. We’ll get you the scoop on the best locations and make all the arrangements.

*Keep your guests in one spot with a wine pairing dinner which we can arrange for you. A BNO Party Guide can also make an appearance for that special roast, toast and cake cutting.

*If you don’t want to venture outside, the BNO massage party is a perfect choice where we come to your home. Imagine your guests relaxing in one room and then going to another for some games with a BNO Party Guide. Other entertainers are also available including psychics, makeup artists, hypnotists, magicians and more.

*And if you want something completely customized for you, we have in-person and phone consultations to help you do it on your own or we can plan your entire event to suit your desires, known as Pamela Yager’s Party by Design.

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What next? While some people have the several months to plan their bachelorette bash not everyone’s schedule has allowed them to do so. We totally understand and our team is here to assist you with getting your party started. First find out a date that works for you, determine if you’d like a day or nighttime celebration, figure out how many guests will be attending, estimate your budget, and then give us a call.

You can reach us at (323) 939-2293 or by email at parties@bridesnightout.com. But don’t wait any longer! If your wedding is this month, you’ve got to get your pre-wedding party planned right now!

Put Your Single Days to Rest: Bachelorette Parties and Cemetery Tours

2008-10-30T22:56:00.001-07:00

On this Eve of Halloween I attended the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce annual Halloween party held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery…and it was fabulous. Sure it’s a scary place and just perfect for the holiday event but the location is also great for that untraditional bachelorette celebration. Many of my Bride's Night Out, Inc. bachelorette party clients consider them selves “alternative girls” and appreciate all things gothic. They dress in black, have at least one piercing or tattoo and become sick at the thought of anything frilly. They’ve been asking me for suggestions of how they can celebrate putting their single days to rest with their friends in a unique way which compliments their style. Well, I’ve come up with one more package to offer to my dramatic friends and have included some of the details below.

For many years, I’ve been working with all sorts of women and in the past I’ve planned parties for many Goth Vixens and their crew. One of my artsy brides-to-be and parties was featured on VH1’s television special “The Ball Before the Chain”. For that particular event, I planned a dinner and belly dancing show, followed by a trip to several alternative venues. The bride was adorned with a custom black veil, all the guest wore black, and table décor was just as sultry and sexy as the tone of the event.

After attending the event tonight, my creative party planning juices were flowing and as a result I created the following BNO Party package which is sure to delight even the most discriminating unconventional bride. This party is available in New Orleans, LA and Hollywood, CA.

Black veil and boa for the bride
Black boas for the guests
Black parasol for the bride which include keepsake mementos
Alternative Party Guide to escort the crew
Afternoon tour of cemetery
Custom afternoon tea and light lunch
Party Guide and Psychic entertainment

I’m so excited to share with you our recent package which offers one more option to our brides-to-be and their guests. It’s been my mission and passion to create bachelorette events to help all women in having the most fun they can which suits their unique lifestyle. For more information contact parties@bridesnightout.com or visit http://www.bridesnightout.com/.

Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll)!

Some like it Raw: Bachelorette Parties for the Organically Inclined

2008-10-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

Bride's Night Out, Inc. headquarters, also known as BNO Party Central, is located in the fabulously sunny and health conscious city of Hollywood, California. We’re surrounded by friends, staff and party clients who have chosen a lifestyle promoting and consuming un-cooked, un-processed, and organic foods. We hear from others, as far away as Canada, who also enjoy this type of diet and believe it helps with loosing weight and keeping them free from ailments. There are more and more raw lovers sprouting up all over, and the growing trend is evident in all parts of their life, even their celebrations.

If you’re a bride-to-be and consider yourself a raw foodist, I’ve put together a few bachelorette party tips to help you plan that fresh and natural event you crave.

Q. I’m a bride-to-be and a raw foodist. Should I even bring up my diet at my bachelorette party?

A. Absolutely you should incorporate your lifestyle in your party. As they say, “You are what you eat”, and your bachelorette party is all about you.

Q. What should we do for our bachelorette party to incorporate my raw food lifestyle?

A. Your choice of activities and entertainment can be whatever you would like: BNO VIP on the town event, indoor massage party, or hat making parties. The most important elements in addressing the “Fresh & Natural” theme is in the details: invitations, food and beverage, and other organic elements such as apparel. My suggestion is to start at one location, usually a friend’s house, and serve a selection of raw appetizers and blended organic beverages. Give everyone an organic t-shirt and hit the town with a BNO Party Guide.

Q. What kind of food and beverages should we serve at the party?

A. The first thing you should consider is your guests. Not everyone enjoys an entirely raw diet, so you may want to have at least one cooked or warm dish in addition to your others. As for the menu, you can choose the items that suit your taste: capriccio, sashimi, fruits, vegetables, and non-pasteurized dairy products (raw cheese and raw yogurt).

Here are some ideas:

Basil, Raw Cheese and Tomato platter

Avocado, lime, onion and cilantro dip (raw chips are also available in stores)

Red Cabbage and apple salad

Coconut and raw yogurt smoothies

Or you can turn America's favorite party food, pizza, into a delicious raw pizza salad

For more information on raw party menus, look for books relating to the topic. I happen to be friends with one of the pioneers in the industry, Magie Matulic, who created Rawcovery.com. The site includes useful information and an e-book for sale which Magie wrote. The book both educates and empowers the reader about health and well-being. It will profoundly change the way you view both health and food.

Here, at Bride's Night Out, Inc. we educate ourselves on the trends and then think of ways we can assist our brides' lifestyles. For information on booking a party or arranging a private consultation to help you with your wedding planning, please contact us at parties@bridesnightout.com. Bon appetite!

Dr. 90210 Speaks with Bride's Night Out's Pamela Yager About Brides

2008-10-29T03:04:00.000-07:00

On Monday night in Hollywood at the fabulous new restaurant and bar, Ivan Kane’s Café Was, I visited with Dr. Robert Rey, also know as Dr. 90210 from the hit series on E!. We had a chance to speak about women’s beauty, brides-to-be, and their interest in looking good for the big day.

Speaking with Dr. Rey was truly a pleasure because he’s even more delightful and down to earth than what you’ve seen on TV. A true expert in the medical field, Dr. Rey is a Harvard graduate and cosmetic surgeon with a flourishing practice in Beverly Hills, sought after by people from all over the world.

When chatting with Dr. Rey, he told me that some of his patients are brides-to-be getting ready for their weddings. I wasn’t surprised to hear that since some of my brides-to-be clients have revealed they were concerned about their physical appearance because all eyes were going to see them as they walked down the aisle. Some women have gone on diets or enrolled in exercise classes, and others mentioned they were going in for dermatological procedures. So I’m sure there are many out there that go one step further but maybe don’t discuss their “nip tuck” with me, their party planner.

So, should brides-to-be get cosmetic surgery before their wedding? I suggest that with all the wedding related events and activities on the schedule, you shouldn’t go in for any type of elective operation that requires you to be stress free to heal properly. Sure we all want to look fabulous but an operation is an operation…and even a little liposuction may have complications. Dr. Rey’s new skin care line, Sensual Solutions, is just the ticket to put off and even avoid going under the knife. His advanced creams and anti-aging products will help you achieve that perfect bridal glow.

Another Successful Party (Teaser)!

2008-10-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

The Halloween Party Teaser this Saturday was a haunting good time!

The BNO loft was converted to a very scary place. There were ghosts, skulls, cobwebs, and other creepy things. In the bathroom was Pamela's former fiance who simply could not live with Pamela, aka Bridezilla, who became an evil monster when planning her wedding, engagement, and bachelorette party. Poor John warned her many times that she should leave her bachelorette planning to the experts at Bride's Night Out, Inc. but stubborn Pamela did not listen. Now she has no fiance, no wedding, and worst of all no bachelorette party!

The comedians that had their Party Guide Training beforehand had us all in Frankenstein stitches. We had Jackie Maruschak, who is a veteran in the comic world and worked on the off Broadway version of Tony n' Tina's Wedding. She had our brides in attendance blush when she said, "Thank God you ladies are off the market, no one needs to compete with you." Gina Ippolito who describes herself as a cross between Tony Soprano and Angela Lansbury. We also had the very funny Ben Kronberg who serenaded us with the lovely song about putting his girlfriend's cat in the microwave.

The Young Winos of LA enlightened us all with their extensive knowledge on the wine they poured and DJ Brett Walkow provided the music to get all of our parties started.

Each one of the brides in attendance is interested in more than just a Bride's Night Out Teaser Party they want a real official Bride's Night Out Bachelorette Party...and we are going to give it to them!

"Vote to Save the Planet" Book Release Party

2008-10-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

When it came to throwing the party for the debut of Jeff Shweitzer's new book "Vote to Save the Planet- Your Guide to the Issues that Matter" the folks at TVGuestpert looked to one of their own members - me. I have been a TV guest expert (or guestpert, get it?) with them for quite some time as an Event Planner Expert.

The party was last Thursday night and it was a blast! I was up early that morning at the LA Flower Mart picking out various beautiful flowers for my arrangements at each one of the tables.

The party was hosted by Max Lugavere and Jason Silva of Current TV the channel started byAl Gore and was thrown at the TVGuestpert studio in Santa Monica.

Here is a picture of Jeff Shweitzer, former Science Adviser under the Clinton/Gore Administration, signing his beautiful book.

It was a great night and it was really nice to reconnect with the TVGuestpert ladies.

On the left is Darice Fisher, an executive and a Project Manager at TVGuestpert, and on the right is Jacquie Jordan, the Founder of TVGuestpert.

It was an honor to be a part of this fabulous evening and don't forget to Vote (to save the planet) on November 4th!

Young Winos of LA pouring at our "Teaser Party"

2008-10-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

We have some very exciting news about Bride's Night Out's Halloween "Teaser Party" on October 25, 2008. The very hip and cool group, the Young Winos of LA, have offered to pour wine and share their knowledge and wine expertise with our guests.

Just imagine a night of scary Bridesmaid dresses, comedians, fashion, music, BNO Bubbly, and now expertly poured wine.

From Cocktails

To BNO Bubbly

And now to Wine...

Bride's Night Out, Inc. has all over your drinking needs covered! For more information about the party and about all of our bachelorette party planning services, visit www.BridesNightOut.com.

David’s Bridal Burbank Appearance

2008-10-13T00:45:00.001-07:00

There’s nothing more enjoyable than having an opportunity to meet in person with brides-to-be, grooms-to-be, and their family and friends. Due to our relationship with the David’s Bridal store in Burbank, California, I was able to spend most of Saturday at the location and chatted with many of the visitors. I met brides that are just getting started with their planning for weddings in November 2009, others that are finalizing arrangements for nuptials in less than a month, and bridal attendants that are eager to help their friend have the best celebration possible.

In meeting with each of them, I was asked several questions about the planning process, pre-wedding parties, and what ideas I could offer for “modern” bachelorette parties. I’m sure many of you may have similar questions and I wanted to share with you some of the important questions and answers of the day.

Q. I’m a bride and I’m getting married in New York next year. Can you offer help for me in that location?
A. Yes, Bride’s Night Out, Inc. is nationwide and we have a team of Party Consultants that can help you with any aspect of your celebration. From your bachelorette party coordination to day of execution, and all the details in-between, we’re here to help you navigate through the process of planning your special events.

Q. I’m having an untraditional wedding, since I’m over 40 and more laid back, and I’m not sure if I should have a bachelorette party. Should I do it and do you have something that would suit me?
A. I always suggest that brides-to-be, no matter what their age, should have a bachelorette party, because it’s a great opportunity to relax with friends before the big day. There are no rules as to what you can and can’t do for your bachelorette celebration, and we work with you to tailor an event that compliments your personality and wedding celebration. Some of our over 40 bride clients enjoy our jazz dinners, wine tasting events, chef cooking classes, and relaxing massage & play parties with a comedy trained BNO Party Guide.

Q. My daughter is getting married and she wants to go out with her friends for her bachelorette party but I don’t know if they’ve planned anything. I’m concerned, because I want it to be special for her. What should I do?
A. We understand the delicate nature of getting involved and we have worked with many mothers of the bride (MOB) who have similar concerns. Some MOBs give the maid of honor a call and give them our information, some have us call the party host and say we were referred by you, and others make all the arrangements with us directly. In our experience, the maid of honor or friend that is in charge of the planning is thrilled to have BNO help in planning that event she’ll always remember.

If you have similar questions and would like to know how we can help you with all your wedding celebrations, please contact us at parties@bridesnightout.com.
Let the good times roll!

Halloween Bride and Bachelorette Party Costumes

2008-10-11T02:06:00.001-07:00

“What should I wear?” That’s a common dilemma for me and thousands of other women on a daily basis. But when you’re the honoree or guest of a special event, especially a bachelorette party, your outfit is even more important. More and more brides-to-be and friends are opting for matching or complimentary apparel. Some go for t-shirts, BNO hats and specialty boas, and others go all out planning their costumes months in advance.

If Halloween is your favorite holiday or you’re looking to add more fun to your October bachelorette party, consider suggesting that everyone wear a costume. Most women love getting dressed up and the planning and dressing process, provide some great bonding opportunities.

Here are some tips.
1. Choose a theme or give your guests some guidelines on choosing their wardrobe. That information can be put on your invitation, by adding a line at the bottom that reads “Attire:” and then your tip. You may want to have color choices “black and orange dresses and boas”, a theme that relates to the bachelorette party “Halloween Bride Costumes”, or that compliments the personality, profession or hobbies of the bride-to-be “Scrubs”, “Cheerleader”, “Your Favorite Team Outfits”.
2. You’ll want to offer a place where the guests can purchase their outfits, or have your BNO Party Consultant manage those details for you. Offering that type of assistance to your guests who have busy lives, shows that you’re covering every detail and want to make sure they are taken care of.
3. The day of the event is very important. Invite all the guests to one location to get ready and serve appetizers and specialty drinks that have been planned with your BNO Party Relations representative. This is a lot of fun to have everyone prepping and being pampered by a BNO makeup artist and stylist before they hit the town.
4. Once you’re on your way, enjoy the attention! Your BNO Party Guide will plan some wild challenges so you get the most mileage out of your costume and experience.

Remember, your Halloween Bachelorette Party is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of your guests. And our team at Bride’s Night Out, Inc. is here to help you make it the best celebration ever. Let the good times roll!

National Bridal Market Chicago

2008-10-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

I just returned from the windy where I had the pleasure of attending the National Bridal Market™ at The Merchandise Mart from October 4-7, 2008. This event is the nation’s largest and longest-running bridal market and features top manufacturers of bridal gowns (both moderate and designer), bridesmaids gowns, mother of the bride and flower girl accessories, as well as prom, quinceañera, and other special occasion resources. National Bridal Market is the one-stop-shop for everything bridal and special occasion.

The event is attended by retailers, buyers, media and industry experts. I met with so many great people and had an opportunity to chat with them about their new offerings and compare notes about the trends for 2008-2009 brides-to-be. Many of the manufacturers depend on people like me, to give them input and pass on their product information to consumers.

There were many elaborate exhibits, fashion shows. and lots of picture perfect opportunities. Unfortunately, cameras are not allowed but I can pass on some of my findings to you. In the area of bridal gowns, I was most impressed with the latest selection of shorter and tea length dresses, which are just as fancy and frilly as the longer traditional versions. My favorite bridal “day of” apparel was a satin hoodie wrap, it is short like a bolero jacket and elegant enough to wear over a winter wonderland dress. I imagined one of my brides-to-be would love this item immensely. The other items that I also loved, were the selection of silk sling back shoes…of course, and the feather headpieces which are made right here in Los Angeles. For those looking for a vintage look, or having an afternoon wedding, this headpiece would suit you perfectly.

I’m looking forward to working with our brides-to-be on all their planning details and providing them with more information on the latest cool ideas!

Special Halloween "Teaser Party"

2008-10-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to announce another awesome "Teaser Party" this one will have the have a special spooky theme in honor of the great ole Halloween.

We, at Bride's Night Out Party Central, will be dressed in the scariest costume of all Bridesmaid Dresses from Hell.

This "Teaser Party" will include the regular line up except for two big changes. For the first time we will be having the event early in the evening on a Saturday. In the past, we have always chosen weeknights but after some comprehensive research we have learned that our guests would prefer to be in Hollywood on the weekends. Fortunately, our Party Central Loft is located right at Highland and Melrose Avenue and is the perfect place to do some pre-Halloween partying and get a taste-or-tease (the new trick-or-treat) of what a BNO Bachelorette Party entails.

The other change is that we will be having a costume contest. Relax, costumes are not mandatory. Plus if you want to look cute you can always come in a Bridesmaid Dress from Heaven.

The event should be a blast! If you are a Bride-to-be you owe it to yourself to see how much fun a Bachelorette Party can be when planned by Bride's Night Out, Inc.

Here are all of the details:

Get a taste of a BNO party done right!

Pamela Yager cordially invites you to a fun Halloween event hosted
by Bride's Night Out, Inc.

Enjoy appetizers and cocktails while learning about everything BNO has to offer in the way of fabulously fun pre-wedding parties.

5pm, Saturday, October 25th
5-5:30pm Drinks & Appetizers
5:30-6:30pm Party Teaser with Costume Contest, Comedians, and Fashion Show.
6:30-till Mingling

Space is limited. Please RSVP by 5pm, Wednesday, October 22nd to Parties@BridesNightOut.com or 323.939.2293.

If you will not be able to make it but want to hear more, email us at Parties@bridesnightout.com

Hollywood Bridal Underground Fashion Show

2008-09-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

I attended the Hollywood Bridal Underground Fashion Show on September 25th and it was truly an unbelievably cool and hip event. Located at "The Hollywood", in several penthouse suites and their subterranean level, the event was hosted by Deborah La Franchi, aka "The Vera Wang of the West Coast. " It was definitely a night to remember!

I visited with distinguished colleagues, including my friend Troy Bazile Leytus from the Amaya Dylan Bridal Gallery. Here is a picture of the two of us.

And, saw some amazing displays, including artistic floral purses and flower arrangements by Sky Flowers.

Although the show stopper of the night was definitely the amazing wedding gowns and spectacular fashion show. The bridal gowns are Deborah's original designs -- dramatic and elegant, red-carpet ready, and crafted by magical hands. The models' whimsical hair styles and colorful makeup complimented their gowns as well as the tone of the evening. Here's just one fabulous example of what was scene on the catwalk.

This was a truly refreshing event, seeing fine bridal wear in the most unexpected of places -- a garage. A real Hollywood underground atmosphere that worked perfectly. How unique! Bride's Night Out, Inc. has always set out to provide unique solutions too and we're happy to see other friends doing the same. After all, modern brides-to-be always looking for new "wow" elements for their weddings and pre-wedding parties. We're here to help them.

BNO "Teaser Party" Part Deux

2008-09-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: We have decided to postpone the "Teaser Party" to October 25th due to the Jewish Holiday. We are very excited about getting to have a Halloween themed "Teaser Party". We will be dressing in Bridesmaid dresses from Hell...it should be a blast...details coming soon!

When telling people about the bachelorette parties that Bride's Night Out throws most people just don't get it. I completely understand, it is a fairly new concept that I created using party guides with comic backgrounds and playing games that I invented. People are shocked that the responsibility and weight of the party can all be in the hands of a professional as opposed to the Maid of Honor.

Finally, I realized if you can't explain it to the people then you have to show it to the people. Give the brides-to-be and the party guests an idea of what the actual party entails. Our first Teaser Party was on September 3rd and it was a huge success. We rolled out the pink carpet and had a DJ, a stage, comedians performing, a fashion show, free Well-Kneaded 10 minute massages, food, drinks and of course our very own BNO Bubbly.

Here I was performing some Stand-Up and introducing fellow comedians to the stage at the Bride's Night Out Party Central Loft.

At the end of the night everyone got on the dance floor and shook their groove things thanks to the awesome DJing of our good friend Tasos. Notice our Marketing VP, Kay Abadee, dancing with the BNO's famous blow-up John doll.

It was a great night and we look forward to throwing a real party, not just a teaser, for the brides-to-be in attendance.

We are thrilled to announce that we will be having another "Teaser Party" on Wednesday, October 1st.

Get a taste of a BNO party done right!

Pamela Yager cordially invites you to a
fun event hosted by Bride's Night Out, Inc.

Enjoy appetizers and cocktails
while learning about everything BNO
has to offer in the way of fabulously
fun pre-wedding parties.

7pm, Wednesday, October 1st
7-7:30pm Drinks & Appetizers
7:30-8:30pm Teaser Party Show
8:30-till Mingling

Space is limited.

Please RSVP by 5pm, Monday September 24th,
to Parties@BridesNightOut.com or 323.939.2293.

If you will not be able to make it
but want to hear more, contact our
Party Expert Julie at 323.710.2935
or Julie@BridesNightOut.com

ISES Jam 2008

2008-09-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

Every year the International Special Events Society- Greater Los Angeles Chapter produces an “industry expo” of sorts, where the premiere event planners and vendors in Los Angeles showcase their services. This year’s event, the ISES Jam 2008, took place on Tuesday, September 16th at the Pasadena Convention Center and it was just as spectacular as ever. Carina Ost, Bride’s Night Out, Inc. Party Assistant, and I volunteered to help with the production and had so much fun helping our ISES organization, networking with other members and meeting new industry experts. We visited with our good friends Tasos Tsirtsis of Atmosphere Entertainment, Mary Sushinski of Occasions, and Harvey Schwartz of 20th Century Props, and many others who all enjoyed the festivities.

To produce an event of this caliber, it takes significant planning and then executing that strategy to make it a success. All of the ISES board members, headed up by President Carol Rosen, have been working on the ISES Jam 2008 for many months and at the Pasadena Convention Center for several days. They were more than successful in making the event run smoothly and we were delight to be a part of the fabulous team.

The setting was what can be imagined only in dreams -- an impressive venue decorated stylishly and booths sponsored by the best event professionals, Grammy ready musical entertainment and award winning food and beverages that make you go “Ahhh”. The booth sponsors included caterers, cappuccino services, linens, floral designers, casino-type gaming, mind-blowing magicians, a showgirls, prop and furniture rental houses, industry publications, extraordinary party planners, and interactive entertainment.

Since Carina and I helped out at the registration table for part of the event, we had an opportunity to visit with many of the participants as soon as they arrived. We were delighted to see many industry friends including one of our own BNO Party Consultants, Paula Estes. In addition to her BNO business, Paula has an eco-friendly company, Petalos Di Pauli, which creates beautiful Custom Invitations and Stationery adorned with embellishments that were once living flowers.
Carina and I also met a lovely woman who came by the event to find out how she can become a party planner. She explained that she was looking for information on how to get started, networking opportunities, and having a support team to assist her. It was apparent that the BNO Party Consultant Program may be a perfect opportunity for her. We shared with her a bit about the benefits to someone starting out: BNO PC trainings, marketing events to network with other event planning professionals, and opportunities to grow with our nationwide company. We only spoke with her for a few minutes, but we could see the delight in her face. The information we gave her was exactly what she was looking for. In fact, she just responded to our “Get to Know BNO!” Evite and she will be attending tomorrow night’s event here at BNO Party Central.

At the end of the event, Carina and I helped with “load out”, rental collection, shuttling vendors, and other management details that are part of the event breakdown. Considering the ISES board members and team planned this perfectly, our tasks were not only manageable but were also fun. After all, working on an ISES event is a complete joy because it’s one of the only opportunities where you’re surrounded by other great professionals and you work with them side-by-side. Thank you ISES board members and everyone for making ISES Jam 2008 awesome!

Juggling the Bachelorette Party Budget

2008-09-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

Let’s just say that learning how to juggle is difficult, whether it’s your career and social schedule, 3 balls in the air, or a bachelorette party budget. It’s all the same. If you don’t do it right the first time, you end up with a pile of mess at your feet. And who needs the drama or a ruined French pedicure. But if you put some time into doing your research and make a plan, chances are you’ll be much more prepared in tackling whatever is thrown at you.

The first thing you should know is a bachelorette party is a wedding event, and like most wedding celebrations, there are etiquette rules and practices which are already in place. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you should follow those, because each bride-to-be should feel free to create her own traditions that are suited for her. However, knowing what is “accepted” in the celebration as far as budgeting is a great jumping off point.

Who pays for the bachelorette party?

The common practice is that all the guests of the bachelorette party chip in and split the cost of the party, and the bride-to-be doesn’t pay for anything. However, in my experience, working with bachelorette party groups, only half or less follow this tradition. Sometimes one person covers a portion of the party or the entire check, and many times they aren’t even invited to the blowout. Talk about a nice gift! Here are some examples from past clients.

She’s the Best: Usually the maid or matron of honor is in charge of making the arrangements for the bachelorette party. Many of these ladies take care of paying for a little extra something for the event, and then the guests pay for the remainder of the party. I’ve had maids of honor pay for dinners, entertainment, guest favors, outfits for the guests, bachelorette cakes, and a gift basket for the bride-to-be. The maid or matron of honor that goes above and beyond her call of duty is a friend forever.

Mama Knows Best: For the brides-to-be that work closely with their mothers in planning, this scenario will have a familiar ring. Personally, I love working with the mothers because they want to make sure their little girl has the best event possible. And in general, moms have more experience in understanding all the details of the event – from the transportation to the entertainment and party favors. I’ve worked with many mothers who manage the entire planning process with us and take care of the payment. Some of those events have included venue parties in a private room with entertainment, food, beverages, cakes, decorations, initiations and personalized details to make it extra special. After all, moms are always looking out for their pride and joy, and we love them for it.

Daddy Dearest: You wouldn’t expect a dad to get involved with the planning of a bachelorette party. However, I have worked with fathers of the bride who call up to make the initial arrangements. They usually let the bride-to-be or maid of honor do the planning but they cover the bill for the night out on the town with a BNO Party Guide or indoor comedy event. Wouldn’t you agree that girls should be spoiled by their Daddy’s and why not for their bachelorette party too?

That’s My Man: Yes, believe it or not, the groom-to-be has put in some cash to make sure the bachelorette bash is a success. One particular client’s dream man paid for a plush hotel suite in Las Vegas, food, and beverages for his favorite lady’s special event. The party guests chipped in for a few drinks on the town, but other than that soon-to-be-hubby covered the bill. He’s a keeper!

So if you are a maid of honor, mother of the bride, father of the bride, groom-to-be, party guest or even the bride-to-be, feel free to offer some kind of financial help to make it a success.

Budgeting for the Event

After you’ve worked with a BNO Party Consultants to determine what your “party personality” is, and what your likes and dislikes are for your event, you’ll have a better understanding of pricing and your must haves. The first thing you need to do is determine what is most important for your guest of honor and guests. Is it the entertainment, the food, the beverages the gifts, the decorations? Choose one and put most of the budget into making that fabulous. The other details should not be ignored, but you can use more imagination to spruce those up. When I am working with clients who prefer to do things on their own, I provide them with a consultation and guidance on creating low-cost solutions to creating details with impact. Personalized features are always important and store bought books aren’t going to get you the results. Think outside the box, and if you need some extra help, we’re always here.

Bachelorette Party Gifts

2008-09-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

So, you’ve been invited to a bachelorette party and you’re unsure about the gift giving etiquette. Have no fear, I’m hear to offer a bit of advice based on my years of being a bachelorette party planner and being a gift giver to so many lucky women getting hitched.

No matter what type of party you’re invited to, you should always show up with a little something. That little something for a general party may be a bottle of wine, a candle, or even a picture frame, which goes over great for any type of event. But when you’re going to a special celebration, such as a bachelorette party, then you should definitely bring a special gift for the guest of honor that compliments her and her last night out.

Unlike bridal showers that celebrate the new couples’ union, bachelorette parties are about celebrating the end to single life. The tone of the event is more casual, sassy, and fun for everyone involved. The gift you bring should also be in that same vain. Romance products are always a good choice but choosing a gift that’s unique, and speaks to the personality of the bride-to-be, will leave a lasting impression and may even get a few “Ahhhs” from the guests.

Without knowing your guest of honor personally, it’s a bit more difficult to give you suggestions on the best gift. However, I’ve put together a few guidelines that will help you in making the right choice. And of course, if you’re booking a party with Bride’s Night Out, Inc., feel free to ask for help and we can give you suggestions, get you the gift, ship them, and create those personalized details that will make it just right.

1. Gift Budget: First you should consider your budget and how much you’d like to spend. Since bachelorette parties are one of the many pre-wedding events, you should choose a gift that is less expensive than your wedding gift.

2. Type of Event: The bachelorette party can be a more relaxing event, such as a spa retreat, or a wild adventure on the town, going club hopping. Determine if the celebration is a “mild” or “wild” and consider that style when choosing a present.

Some of bachelorette party gift ideas:

Panties for All Occasion: A selection of panties in the colors of the wedding with a personalized note on each that relates to the bride’s lifestyle. Examples include: panties to be worn at the day job, panties to be worn on date night with hubby, and panties to be worn when you want the hubby to do something special.

Bride’s Promo Gifts: The bride-to-be is all about her wedding and it’s a chance for her to show that off with personalized apparel and accessories that she can use throughout the celebration. Gifts should be useful and personalized including totes, tanks, and warm-up suits.

Honeymoon Fun: While the bachelorette party is not about the couple and more about the single life being ended, it’s still acceptable to bring a present that relates to the “sexy” nature of the honeymoon. Again, personalized items make the gift even more special. So choose something that shows you put some thought into your selection. Examples: personalized bathing suits, sandal thongs, beach towels, throws, and gift baskets with mugs, videos, gourmet foods, and more.

The examples above will help you in selecting the right gift for the bride-to-be. It’s up to you to bring a present but please be aware that bachelorette party gift giving is a popular custom and becoming the standard for this type of celebration. Most parties that we work with request a bride-to-be basket and bachelorette party registries which makes the process of picking an appropriate gift for the guest of honor, hassle free.

The one thing to remember is, unlike a birthday present, the bachelorette party gift will be put into the scrapbook and remembered forever. This is one of the most important events in your friend’s life and thoughtful gift giving is very important. And after you choose the gift, and you’re at the celebration…sit back, relax and let the good times roll.

Only 3 More Days!

2008-09-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

Don't stress out! We are offering you a Free Bachelorette Party and the chance to be in our TV Pilot, all you have to do is apply. That means we plan and you get to PAAAARTY on our dime.

It's easy, if you are engaged, in the Los Angeles area, and over the age of 21 then you are eligible to apply.

To apply:

1. Simply go to www.bridesnightout.com and click on our contest banner

2. Fill-in a quick one page questionnaire

That's it!

3. Cross your soon to be wed fingers

Good Luck!

Win a Bachelorette Party and be featured in TV Show Pilot!

2008-09-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

Woo-hoo!

Bride's Night Out, Inc. has very exciting news and an even better offer. From now until Sept 12, 2008 you have the chance to win a free bachelorette party of a lifetime and be featured on a TV show pilot. The TV pilot will be shot in the Los Angeles area in the Fall and will be produced by the Bride's Night Out, Inc. Team in association with Story House Productions.

We are looking for entertaining and dramatic stories of the wild adjustments that people go through as they leave single life behind in favor of coupledom. Tell us about your bachelorette bewilderment and single shock; we want to hear it all.

If you are engaged, over the age of 21, and in the Southern California area please enter for the chance to win at http://bridesnightout.com/contest.php

ISES Event Last Night

2008-08-21T12:30:00.001-07:00

Last night Stefanie, Bride's Night Out - Client Relations, and I attended the ISES event at Opera and its sister club Crimson. Yes, THE Opera, the one that is the celebrity hotspot for Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake, Hugh Hefner, P. Diddy, and many more. Opera was a very cool location and I will definitely be adding it to my venue list for future bahelorette parties.

This was the kind of event that gave me the red carpet treatment, literally.

Although, the real celebrity of the night was the President of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter, Carol Rosen. Carol is the second to the left in the photo below. Carol is not only a pillar in the wedding community but she is also a lot of fun! I am really looking forward to working with her on the ISES Jam event on September 16th at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Overall, it was a truly great night filled with the most exciting special event professionals in Los Angeles.

Bride's Night Out - Cocktail Recipes Vol. 1

2008-08-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

BNO Mojito

6 fresh mint leaves
fresh sliced lime
1 tbsp. sugar
Muddle
4 ct. Absolut Pear
1 ct. Raspberry liqueur
Fill w/ Soda
Splash 7

Shake and pour

Chocolate Bachelortini

4 ct. Just Desserts Mint Chocolate Liqueur (sometimes hard to find)
4 ct. White Chocolate Liqueur
4 ct. Vanilla Vodka
Shake and strain into martini glass

Garnish w/ Chocolate Syrup

BNO's Pink Champagne Cocktail

(Similar to a Kir Royale, but better)
Champagne
Pom juice or Pama pomegranate liqueur
Splash 7

Garnish w/ pomegranate seeds in bottom of flute

Honeymoon Hurricane

3 ct. White Rum (Bacardi)
3 ct. Dark Rum (Meyer's)
3 ct. Spiced Rum (Captain)
Orange or Pineapple Fruit Juice
2 ct. Grenadine
Build in glass, shake and pour

Fresh Pineapple Wedge and cherry garnish

Bachelorette Party History & Fun Pre-Wedding Event Facts

2008-08-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

The now infamous bachelorette party is an event honoring a bride-to-be, a rite of passage, celebrating the end of her single life. Not to be confused with the bachelorette party, the bridal shower is usually a bit more low-key, honoring the bride-to-be and the beginning of her role as a wife. The bachelorette parties that we have in the U.S. today came from the UK, Ireland and Canada, what they call Hen or Stagette Parties. For many years, ladies have been getting together in the evening to celebrate with a bride-to-be. It wasn't until the end of the 1990's that the term bachelorette party was coined.

These days, approximately 94% of the brides-to-be have bachelorette parties. The average number of guests at a bachelorette party is 12, but can range from 4 to as many as 200, depending on the bride's style and/or party theme. Not to be outdone by its predecessor, the groom's bachelor party, bachelorette parties tend to have more interactive games and fun costumes.

The 1960's-1980's, as the bachelorette party was developing, women would go out for drinks after a shower. In the 90's, brides-to-be had kicked it into high-gear and were going to strip clubs and night clubs for cocktails and a night of decadence. In the past 5 years, women have been doing an assortment of activities with only 20% of them hiring a male dancer. It seems we have reached the land of happy medium, with just enough debauchery to be a night to remember, but still ensuring the bride will make it to the alter, integrity intact.

Current trends include destination bachelorette parties and nights on the town with a professional coordinator (BNO Party Guide) who emcees games tailored for the bride. Traditionally it has been the duty of the maid of honor to be the party contact, but we are now seeing the bride, mother of the bride and the duke of honor (a male friend of the bride) stepping in to get things planned with the help of a BNO Party Consultant.

Party guests usually include the immediate wedding party and very close friends of the bride, generally all females around the same age as the bride. People, who are not invited to the wedding, should not be invited to the bachelorette party.

Usually all the guests chip in for the bachelorette party and the host (party contact) pays for a special item. In some cases, the groom or the mother of the bride may also give something toward the event such as a hotel suite or special gift. The most important thing to remember about the bachelorette party is that every guest has a great time and the activities are thoughtfully planned out. The Bachelorette party is not only a send-off for the guest-of-honor, but a celebration of female bonding and treasuring those friendships that got us to where we are today.

BNO featured on "I do!" on NBC

2008-08-05T14:06:00.001-07:00

Woo-hoo! Our team at Bride's Night Out® was thrilled to be chosen as the expert party planning company for the newly launched nationwide network show "I do!" on NBC.

We planned an awesome bachelorette party for Elizabeth Cortez, the bride, with the help of her Maid of Honor, Kelly Martin.

I think that the show did an excellent job portraying the silliness, fun, and the energy here at BNO, Inc. It gave the viewer a look at our fabulous Party Guides and the fun games that they play, like Plant a Kiss on the Hottie. It was a very exciting experience to be part of a reality TV show and I hope that you can all take a look at the clip. It premiered on Friday, August 1st, for details about local listings you can check out the show's website http://www.lxtv.com/ido/save-the-date/

Girls Gone Green; Environmentally Friendly Bachelorette Parties

2008-07-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

Just because it's "Green" doesn't mean it's bad for ya or part of a St. Patrick 's Day celebration.

In the past few years, we've been hearing more and more about the Green movement, which promotes embracing an environmentally friendly lifestyle and supports conservation and advocacy. So going Green is becoming not only a good deed but also a must-do cool trend in every area of your life, including celebrations. Even brides are planning Bachelorette parties in a Green theme to show their support.

There are a lot of ways for women to have fun and promote environmental protection. If your wedding style is one that compliments having a positive message, consider having a BNO planned Girls Gone Green bachelorette party. You can do your part in supporting your causes while having fun!

Here are some tips on how to "green" your event. Ask your BNO Party Consultant to help you with the details.

1. Invitations: Of course you can print your invites on recycled paper or “tree free paper”, which is paper that contains zero fibers from trees. To glitz it up, we like biodegradable seeded invites, recycled paper embedded withwildflower seeds that bloom when planted. And for a totally green option, BNO colorful invites via email.

2. Transportation: A few ways to save a little gas (and even a little money) is to carpool. And what better way to do that than in style with a BNO VIP Party complete with limo. As an alternative, the BNO Street Party really saves on gas, since all the guests travel by foot from one spot to another.

3. Details: Throughout your event bring in elements that promote your green theme. Consider choosing a specialty drink that has a green friendly association such as the ever popular BNO Mojito, made with organic ingredients . You can find more ideas like these as well as drink recipes at http://www.bridesnightout.com/ or from your BNO Party Consultant.

4. Activities: Through your BNO Party Consultant we can also arrange party games, gifts and more that play up your Green style. Do you want to create fabulous party hats that no one will know use recycled adornments? Or would you prefer spa services with organic products. You'll feel better than ever with ingredients that are all natural. These days everyone is going Green and promoting the steps we need to take in order to preserve our earth. Just one of many Hollywood celebs setting the tone is Brad Pitt. He created an organization to provide self-sustaining housing in the Ninth sector of New Orleans that uses solar power and is completely energy efficient. Want to give back? Instead of gift giving, suggest a donation to this charity: http://www.globalgreen.org/.