When it comes to knowing what's “hip” in the wedding industry, there's only one person to turn to: celebrity wedding planner, Marcy Blum. Since 1986 she's been helping brides express their innermost fantasies in the most elegant way possible. Her attention to detail is impeccable; in addition, she has an amazing ability to utilize and envision space and come up with ideas that exceed the already-imagined.

When asked about the wedding planning process, she says: “there's no such thing as a Marcy Blum event. I try to get a real sense of my clients and use my knowledge and know-how to bring their event to life.” While it's her job to create something that's both exquisite and inventive, she wants each party to be a collaboration of her ideas inspired by the couple's insight. This, she believes, is the only way to truly awe her clients and achieve party planning success.


Marcy Blum's Thoughts On:

  1. Color: Blum says that for many years, bright colorful patterns were the hot new thing. Now the paler shades are becoming much more relevant. Instead of a vivid pink, brides are requesting champagne and cream colors. Some other similar pastel tones which would be perfect: ecru, eggshell, blush, light sage, and baby blue.
  2. Trends to Avoid: Blum advises against the use of disposable cameras on the guest's tables. Why use them when they only take good pictures every once and a while? She also says “no” to overly choreographed dances – it takes the romance out of the moment, especially when the groom is visibly apprehensive about getting the moves down just right.
  3. Keeping the Party Interesting: Blum believes that you can achieve a sense of vitality and whimsy when you accent the room with eye-catchy centerpieces and backdrops. Also effective: live entertainment for certain aspects of the evening, such as featuring an a cappella group during cocktails.
  4. New Reception Trends: Some current styles are putting off dancing after the first course has been served. This way, everyone can sit down and enjoy their meal – which gives the party structure and a better overall flow. The cake and other desserts can be served alongside the dancing segment.
  5. Ways to Save: Blum says to use larger tables so that you don't have to buy as many centerpieces. Another good tip is to have an open bar only up until dinner; after that point, everyone has to buy their own. Instead of serving lamb or beef, go for a cheaper chicken dish or wild mushroom risotto.
  6. Keeping the Guests Happy: Pace the cocktail hour so that there is food constantly coming out every twenty minutes. If you serve everything at once, there will be a stampede to the food and everything will be gone before you know it!
  7. The Wedding Toasts: Make sure that you discuss a time limit with all of the speakers at the wedding beforehand. Try to keep each speech down to 3-4 minutes. You don't want the toasts dramatically cutting into the other reception activities.