Louisiana-New Orleans — The Knot Community

beignet bar?

amydave2011 — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 04:01:03 +0000

hello! so i had a friend say she went to an event in texas with a new orleans band that had a beignet bar set up for the guests. does anyone know if there's someone in new orleans that can set up a beignet bar/stand if i have a location? we're trying to do a casual (and cheap) day after brunch for people to pop in and out before tey fly back home.

Wedding Website suggestions

ladean2 — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 17:13:26 +0000

Hi everyone,

Are ya'll creating wedding websites for your guests to visit for details? If so, does anyone have suggestions on how to get started? It seems like a pretty overwhelming task and I don't even know where to start!

Thanks!

Vendor Review--CORRECTION

MMW10 — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 23:40:48 +0000

Hi ladies,
I went back and made a correction to my review of Marc Pagani, and wanted to make sure y'all saw it. It was brought to my attention that the negative posts I had read were written by someone(s) who have been banned from these boards. I didn't know people were that mean that they purposely wrote negative and completely wrong information about vendors on here... and so, I'm sorry for misleading anyone--I was mislead too! My corrections are in my original post from a couple days ago. Thanks!

Matthew Foster e-pics! (PIP)

ktprieto — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:23:41 +0000

We just got our engagement pictures back from Matthew Foster, so I thought I'd share them with you all!

To view the entire album follow this link:

http://tiny.cc/kimsq

Click on "Katie and Chris engagement"

Enter password "Prieto"

Here's a preview!!

Also, we get a free 11x14 print that we'd like to have at the wedding (around the guestbook or something) which one do you guys think we should use?

Did somebody say beignets?!

Kirstenl — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 01:37:16 +0000

Hey NOLA ladies! I was thinking about having a midnight snack for my guests. I was thinking beignets (i know to die for)! Anyways Ive made beignets myself, but theyre not as good as the orginals. I want my caterer to make them but shes never done it, where do I get a good recipe for her and would it be hard to make a batch (130) for my guests?? If its to hard then I wont do it but I so wanted to share beignets with my KY guests. Thanks ladies!!!

Ugh. Rehearsal dinner venue has been bought out.

dandywarhol — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:39:28 +0000

We are having a small wedding and therefore a small rehearsal dinner (19 pp). We were planning on having the RD at Red Fish Grill. We called today to make the reservation only to find out the restaurant has been bought out for our RD date.

Ugh. It isn't the end of the world but it does mean more searching for venues.

gluten-free bakery?

dandywarhol — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:04:29 +0000

My uncle has celiac disease and therefore can't have any wheat gluten. Our reception venue has said they could work with us, which is great. Our bakery said they might be willing to work with us but it would be difficult to get just one cupcake for my uncle.

Does anyone have any suggestions of a bakery in/near the FQ that does gluten free desserts? It would be great if we could just swing by someplace and pick up a cupcake or something so the uncle can be part of the celebration as well. We're a big dessert family so I'd like to make sure he's included.

To push-up or not?

dandywarhol — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:45:04 +0000

For those of you wearing strapless gowns, what type of bra are you wearing? I'm thinking of getting a torsolette or brasselette style bra. But the real question is do I go push-up or not?

I want to look good but I don't want my boobs popping out of my dress in front of my grandpa.

Experiences with Broussards?

dandywarhol — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:28:57 +0000

We are thinking of having our ceremony and reception at Broussards. Have any of you been to a wedding or reception there? Are any of you having your wedding or reception there? What are your thoughts and experiences with them?

They seem to be the only venue willing to work with our tight destination wedding budget. We won't be able to check them out until late September so I'd like any information you have!

Thanks!

Photographers

phunluvin82 — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:12:02 +0000

I would love to get some reviews of photographers in the area. That is the next major thing on my to-do list and I don't even know where to start. We probably don't want to spend much more than $2000, but we want great pics so if there was someone we really loved and had rave reviews, this is something we'd probably be willing to splurge on (within reason). We are not crazy about the thought of posing for pics half the night and are thinking about going toward more of a photojournalist route...but my mom will have a fit if they don't at least take a few posed wedding party and family pics. Recommendations please!! :)

Vendor Reviews--Long

MMW10 — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:14:30 +0000

I'm procrastinating from getting back to work, so I figured I'd write these... we had the best time this weekend!!!

Rehearsal Dinner: Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro (St. Charles Ave.): B
This is my favorite restaurant, and the service on Fri. night was great. We did have some problems with them double-booking the banquet room, though. Turns out that the woman who booked us, also booked someone else 2 months later, and lost our contract. That woman has since been fired, and the new people are a little better. We only got things straightened out officially after my mom went down there in person. Phone calls didn't get anything accomplished. Overall, it was a great night, and they were very accommodating of letting my MIL decorate and making something different for the kids that were there.

Dress: Brickhouse Bridal (The Woodlands, TX): A
I know it's not in NOLA, but since there's so many natives in Houston... here it is. They have a great selection, and they let you go around and pick which 6 dresses you want to try on. I found my dress within that 6, but I'm not sure if they'd let you try more. My dress came in early, and they were always super-nice when I talked to anyone in the store. They do not do in-house alterations, but they do give a list of suggested places to go.

Alterations: Beautiful U (Houston, TX): A+
Everything you read about this place on the Houston board is true--they are awesome. My gown was just a bit too long, so instead of trying to make me pay for a needless small hem, they had me try a petticoat instead. It worked perfectly and saved me probably $150. Also, I have a ton of lace and beading that shouldn't be steamed, so they discounted the steaming significantly. Very much recommended!

Bridesmaid Dresses: Pearl's Place: C
Their prices are awesome, which is why I got the dresses there. I gave them the names, dress sizes, addresses, and phone numbers of my bm's when I ordered the dresses, since 3 had to be shipped out of state. Thank goodness they came in early because they lost the list, then when we re-sent the information, they mixed up 2 of the dresses. My bms in TX and ND had to coordinate with the store and FedEx to have them swapped back. Also, my sister's dress had to be altered twice due to their mistakes in altering it. They did fix all problems--just too much of a headache for me.

Venue: Le Pavillon: A
We had a few bumps along the way with little details in the contract, but overall, it was everything I wanted. The day-of service was really amazing. I felt like I had 3 personal attendants checking to make sure I had what I needed at all times. I wanted final say in when some things were done at the reception, so they checked with me at those times, but no others. Any food or drink I wanted, I had immediately. The rooms looked perfect--lighting, tables, chairs. (The banquet chairs here are so nice and comfy, and the linens are a step up from regular wedding ones I've seen before.) We had more food than we could possibly eat waiting for us when we got back to our room, and a voucher for room service the next morning.
The extra touches there just make me love it--pb&j at night for all guests, extra-friendly staff, and lots of great spots for pictures.

Photography: (This is a 2-part review)
1. Marc Pagani: B
He is an amazing photographer. He almost always got back to me quickly, but our families had a really hard time with communication on a few occasions. That led to my own frustrations when they would tell me what was happening. Marc did my engagement photos, and they came out well. I wish we could've had more variety/creativity, but in his defense, we were in NOLA from OOT, and it was pouring rain. We couldn't reschedule, and we were stuck using the one covered area around. We were lucky to even stay dry!

2. Marc's associate, Ron Blaylock: A
I haven't gotten pictures back since the wedding was 3 days ago, but I loved working with him! He was early to the venue, laid-back, but professional, and open to any goofy idea we had. He is based in Jackson, MS, and has his own studio there (www.blaylockphoto.com). I can't wait to get these pictures!

Flowers: Hobby Lobby and a family friend: A+
I know some brides are completely anti-fake flowers, but I have gotten nothing but showers of compliments about my bouquets and centerpieces. Our friend bought a book about how to make bouquets, and I'm sure any crafty bride or friend could make them equally well. We used the Natural Brilliance line of floral stems, and they are beautiful! (Not all fake flowers are created equal--get the better ones, and they're almost always 50% off at HL). If hot pink matched anything in my house, I would display my bouquet all the time--I love it!!

Carriage Ride after reception: Mid-City Carriages: A
These people are super laid back--so much so that you may think they forgot about you. They didn't. They just aren't too concerned with getting contracts filled out once you reserve your day/time. Our driver was friendly and took us on about a 35-minute ride around the Quarter. It was surprisingly relaxing and quiet after the busy-ness of the reception!

Hotel Blocks: Drury Inn & Suites and Homewood Suites (both on Poydras)
Guests loved staying at both of these. They offer complementary hot breakfast and "happy hour" snacks. The rooms were nice and comfortable, and even guests who called after the block had expired were given the group rate.

Save-the-Dates, Invitations, & Favors: Gem Printing: A+
They are so easy to work with, and have lots of options. I had to pick everything in one day since I could only make a few trips home during planning, and they worked with me for 3 hrs. straight!
We did Mardi Gras cups for favors, and they came out great. They even added the same swirly design from my RSVP cards on the cups. The invitations were a little more than I planned on spending, but I think the quality was worth it. My family has used Gem for generations, so I trusted them.

Cake: Haydel's: A+
Delicious!! Again, my family has gotten cakes from Haydel's for probably as long as they've been in business, and I knew how yummy their traditional wedding cakes were! I brought in a design I found in the galleries on here, and they were up-front with what the problems would be with my budget. They sat with me for a while until we came up with something just as creative and still within my price range. It turned out perfect! We also got a 3-tier king cake for the groom's cake, iced with our college colors. That cake was GONE before the night was over--I wouldn't have gotten any if they didn't save us some!

Forgot a vendor review-- rehearsal dinner

cm10/10 — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 01:12:08 +0000

I forgot this one the other day when I posted all of my others:
We had our rehearsal dinner at Rock and Bowl. It was great! We had about 80 guests and most were OOT so they LOVED the nola atmosphere. Service was good. Food was decent. For $18pp we had finger foods, beer and wine, bowling and shoe rental for 2 hours. They also let us bring in some king cakes and sliced them up for us. They do their parties from 7-9pm. MIL said they were easy to work with which was a relief since she was planning from oot.
Hope that helps!

not having an actual "Exit"

QueenJane — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:07:47 +0000

so the venue we chose gives us a suite for the night of the wedding, therefore, we will not be doing the traditional exiting of the bride and groom. Our reception must be done by 10pm so i was thinking maybe we could get a carriage ride away from the venue instead and ride around City Park or something?? I'm not really sure, any other ideas?

Need some ideas for reception bands!

anatal1 — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 23:37:01 +0000

My parents put alot of money down for my ceremony and reception already so I want to find a band that isn't that expensive. I've found alot of bands but im looking for one that is under 3000! Any tips or ideas?

NOLA favors??

Kirstenl — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 03:49:35 +0000

Hello to all NOLA brides!! I moved to KY awhile back but Im orginally from NO but unfortunatly I cant have my wedding down there and Im stuck doing it in KY. But neways, I wanted to bring my love for my hometown out in the favors and welcome baskets for the guests. But Im not sure what would be good for it. Any and ALL ideas are welcomed! Thank you!!!

cool bands

allisoncwhite_2381901 — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:45:35 +0000

Hey! We are looking into bands but don't want anything that sounds cheesy "wedding singer" ish... any suggestions? Thanks yall:)

wedding vendor help??!!

Cougar39 — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 01:29:14 +0000

I have sent messages to NUMEROUS local florists, photographers and musicians in the area but to no avail (with one exception).
Can someone give me a contact in the New ORleans areas that will respond to an inquiry??
Many thanks in advance....Im really disappointed in the customer service aspect of the participants
Thanks,
Gina

Has anyone used postcards as save the dates?

MaggieB83 — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 19:07:38 +0000

I want to keep my save the date budget at about $1-$1.50 each. I was thinking postcards could be a fun way to stay on budget but keep the New Orleans theme. Does anyone have suggestions about how to buy & print these? I want to avoid using a calligrapher. Thanks!

cheap ways to leave your wedding reception

jenfordem — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:06:23 +0000

my fiance has suggest renting a limo after our reception, but since we are just going down the street to the Columns i am not sure it is worth the cost. i suggested just walking but he wouldn't hear of it. anyone have ideas of a cheap and classy way to depart a reception?

Any AMAZING DJs you can recommend?

ktprieto — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:25:54 +0000

That you've seen first hand? It's very important to me to have someone that plays a good selection of music that will keep everyone dancing and having fun!

Hotels

SheilaBride2be — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 02:11:43 +0000

Anyone have any good ideas of affordable hotel rooms for my out-of-town guests? I am also looking for a great place to get ready at and stay the night of my wedding. Thanks!

Something borrowed?

dandywarhol — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:54:12 +0000

So I have the new & blue taken care of. I suppose I qualify as something old (34!). What I don't have is something borrowed!

What is your "something borrowed?"

Vendor Reviews!- Long!

cm10/10 — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 05:01:27 +0000

So we are FINALLY married! We were engaged forever it seems but all the planning was worth it because it was a perfect day. Here are the reviews I can think of right now:
Ceremony: A. St. Rita (Lowerline St)- not easy to get in touch with but I didn't have any problems. They didn't have a coordinator so I was on my own.

Reception: A+ Pavilion of the Two Sisters- City Park- everything was perfect and they took care of every detail I asked for. The coordinator Cathy and the staff were very easy to get in touch with and the room and food is amazing.

Invites: A. Weddingpaperdivas- I loved the designs and the price was great

Save the dates: A. Scriptura on Magazine. Easy to work with. Everyone loved the design

Favors: A. Hubigs Pies. Easy to get in touch with. They were inexpensive, delivered them straight to the reception for us and everyone loved them

Photographer: A+ Studio Tran. I can't WAIT to get my pics back. Beebe did my portraits and I'm in awe. Very easy to work with and easy to get in touch with.

Videographer: A+ Chad Dyle Productions. I haven't seen the video yet, but they were very attentive and very friendly. Chad was always easy to get in touch with and I thought their pricing was reasonable.

Flowers: A+ Bee's Flower Shop. I can't say enough good things about Bee's. Eric was very easy to get in touch with and the flowers were BEAUTIFUL! Since I didn't have a coordinator at the ceremony, They stepped in and cued the music and sent the BM's down the aisle and fluffed my train, etc. Definitely above and beyond service.

DJ: A-. Omega Sound. David was always easy to get in touch with. I had used their database to choose my list. There were a few snaffus along the way with them playing some not on list songs, but it was all quickly worked out and they had the dance floor full all night- which is all I wanted!

Cakes: A. Haydels. We got both cakes from Haydels. We brought in pictures of what we wanted and they came out exactly like the pictures. Very tasty too!

Limos: A+. Celebrity Limo- arrived early. we had 2 buses and a ultra stretch. All clean and they got us to wear we needed to be. They gave us a free sedan ride back from the reception to our hotel which was nice.

Dress: A. Pearls Place- I got my dress and BM's dresses there. Prices on both were great. My dress and veil came in weeks early than they said. Altherations went great except that I had to take half days off work to go in for fittings. But other than that- I had a positive experience with them

Tuxes: A. Mens Warehouse- The price was really cheap since I signed up for something at a bridal show to get $40 each tux. All the guys looked great

Hair/Makeup: A. Get Polished- They were exactly on time. The hair girl did our hair qucikly and then left. The makeup girl finished all of us early but knew I wanted to wait for the photog so that he could get pictures, so she stayed at my house for another hour waiting with us.

NOPD Police Escorts- A+: All of the oot's on our buses went WILD whenever the cops would pull people over not stopping for us. They were on time and worth the money.

Ceremony Musicians A+: Fine Arts Ensemble- easy to get in touch with and they learned some special songs for us and they sounded beautiful

Room Block A+: Intercontinental hotel. They upgraded us to a large suite and gave FI's parents access to the club lounge. The staff was great.

venue help?!

QueenJane — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 03:45:02 +0000

i'm an OOT bride, planning for fall 2011. we are making a trip to Nola this week for a few days to scope out some venues. any info/opinions/experience with any of these would be much appreciated

Benachi House & Gardens
Elm's Mansion
House of Broel
The Peristyle and Parkview Terrace at CIty Park

Thanks!!

Bar to gather after the rehearsal dinner?

lrn110 — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:34:58 +0000

I'm an OOT bride and we're getting married October 22! We were trying to find a place where we could invite people to meet us after the rehearsal dinner. We're staying at the Omni Royal Orleans -so we're looking for somewhere in the Quarter. There will probably be 50-55 people around 9:00 p.m. Any thoughts? I love the Carousel bar at the Hotel Monteleone, but I don't know if it's big enough.

Jackson Square Wedding

kmodlin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:17:34 +0000

I also am thinking of a JS wedding! Our isn't until Dec.2010, but trying to plan as much as possible ahead. This is great info you all are sharing! JS seems to be a perfect spot, since we also want our reception at Muriel's. I knew they charged a fee to have your wedding there, but I didn't realize it was that much.Does Muriel's really put out alot of votives,etc? I'm not sure how much to get as far as flowers, etc. Thanks again for sharing with us!

Studio Tran or Ashley jayne?

alonzojess — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:04:47 +0000

Hi im having trouble choosing a photographer. If anyone could please give me their opinions about photographers between ashley jayne in baton rouge or studio tran in new orleans. they are both so good! thanks!

DJs????

lbmsrlotr — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:07:47 +0000

Has anyone used or have an opinion about Hot 100 DJ Service?

what time is your wedding & reception?

dandywarhol — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:56:28 +0000

Just curious what other people's timing is for the ceremony & reception. We're having a non-traditional wedding and reception. We're having a courtyard wedding at 4pm. Then cocktails at 5:30 and dinner at 6pm.

I figured we'd do some pictures before the ceremony and then some between ceremony & reception.

Bridal portraits & engagement pics

jenfred24 — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 01:58:07 +0000

Any suggestions of where to take bridal portraits and/or engagement pics in south louisiana?