Interview with Colin Cowie : what to splurge on, what to save $ on + more

Very recently, Gilt.com partnered with arbiter of style and wedding event planner extraordinaire Colin Cowie. Their editorial director, Melissa Liebling-Goldberg (who married last year), picked Cowie's brain to identify the items we shouldn't feel bad about saving on or splurging on for the big day. Melissa also asked Colin for tips on pulling off a chic wedding in three months or less as well as what the best bridesmaid and guest favor recommendations are. Quite simply, Colin will answer questions to what every bride wants to know!

Melissa: What are the five things that you should always splurge on for a wedding?
Colin: Beautiful Invitations, Stunning Flowers, Delicious Food, Tasty Cocktails and Fabulous Music

Melissa: What are the five things you shouldn't feel bad about saving on?
Colin:
1. Instead of expensive imported champagne, think of a sparkling wine or well-crafted cocktail.
2. Instead of a large orchestra or live band have a great DJ.  Todays DJ’s are tomorrow’s rock stars.
3. Instead of a cocktail hour…..have your pictures taken prior to the wedding and then proceed directly from the ceremony to the reception.
4. Forget the party favors or tchotchkes…..instead upgrade the chicken stuffed with a-la-something to a succulent rack of lamb.
5. Instead of serving dessert followed by wedding cake….make your wedding cake the dessert feature.

above: a sampling of items from the recent Gilt.com sale

Melissa: What's the secret to pulling together a chic wedding on a short timeline of three months or less?
Colin: As long as you can confirm the venue and officiate of your choice, you can very easily plan a wedding in 3 months or less.  Think about it, even though the average length of engagement is 12-18 months….most of the work is done in the last 3 months.

Melissa: What is your favorite recommendation for a bridesmaid gift? Favors?
Colin: Anything personalized that becomes a keepsake. If it is embroidered, foil stamped or engraved, a personal gift goes a long way. From bathrobes, to make-up bags, silver jewelry cases or personal stationery you can't go wrong.

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Stay tuned for the next bridal semi-annual sale at Gilt.com where you will find everything you could possibly need for your wedding and the events that surround the big day at up to 60% off.

Comments

[Liz Coopersmith]

3. As a wedding planner, I encourage my couple to take their pictures before the ceremony, including pictures together. It compresses photography time, and it also gives them a chance to hang out with their guests...at the cocktail hour. Taking pictures is the only reason for the cocktail hour, it's also a chance to mix and mingle before dinner. Once you sit down, you don't really move around much. That hour gives you a chance to talk to you people who aren't necessarily sitting at your table.

4. By all means, dump the favors. The only ones that guests ever take are the food ones (candy, chocolate covered strawberries, etc.), I end up disposing of the rest after the wedding. Spend that money on any of the other splurges Colin lists, instead.

[M.O.H. Spotlight]

First, let me say that I adore Colin and admire his work! I am a huge fan of specialty/signature cocktails. That's def something that I remember at a wedding along with how delicious the wedding cake is. Since, I love cake I would also have to agree with Colin and say that making your wedding cake the dessert feature is a MUST! Yes, the candy stations are cute, but by far nothing tops a good wedding cake. So def splurge on the cocktails and cake! Great post Brenda!